Ahead of Boro's upcoming match against the U's on Saturday, we spoke to Jon Waldron of the Colchester Gazette to get the latest on the side he covers every week...
- How would you assess Colchester’s start to the season?
“After a slow start, Colchester have really picked up some form and momentum of late.
“They have lost only one of their last 11 games in all competitions and have also been boosted by an excellent run in the Carabao Cup, which has seen them reach the last 16 of the competition following memorable penalty shoot-out wins over Spurs and Crystal Palace.
"They have looked particularly solid at the back of late with seven clean sheets so far while at the other end, forwards Luke Norris and Theo Robinson have already hit eight goals between them.”
- Is it fair to say that promotion is very much the only aim for the club this season?
“I would say so. Obviously the run that Colchester are currently enjoying in the Carabao Cup has been a very welcome bonus both on and off the pitch and the emergence of academy players is always high on the list of priorities at the U’s.
“But like every season, their main objective is to challenge for promotion and they will be striving to achieve at the very least a play-off place, having gone so close last season.”
- Who is Colchester’s key player?
“At the moment, it’s hard to look past centre-back Tom Eastman.
“He has been in magnificent form this season and has shone in not only League Two but also in Colchester’s games against Spurs and Crystal Palace, playing a big part in helping his side keep a clean sheet in both Carabao Cup ties.
“Eastman also lends weight to the U’s attack with his diagonal passes and surging runs and if he plays well, it usually means the U’s do too.
- What do you think needs to happen for Stevenage to get their first win of the season at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday?
“Stevenage will need to find ways to break down what has been a pretty watertight Colchester defence.
“And if they manage to do that, they will also have to beat goalkeeper Dean Gerken, who has been in excellent form since re-joining the club in the summer.
“At the other end, Stevenage will also need to stifle Colchester’s danger and nullify the threat of the likes of Theo Robinson, Courtney Senior and Frank Nouble."
- Finally, can we have a result prediction?
“Sorry to disappoint Stevenage fans but I’m going for a 2-1 win for Colchester.”
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