Colchester – Fleetwood. Mark O’Haire’s prediction

Colchester conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 to Sheffield United at home on Saturday, extending their run without a league victory to 12 matches. The result left the club five points adrift of safety but there are plenty of positives around the Essex club.

New manager Kevin Keen has overseen a dramatic improvement in performances, balance and structure from the U’s. Their weekend loss was unfortunate but seven days earlier Colchester dumped Charlton out of the FA Cup and in every fixture he’s overseen, United have had fired in more shots, more efforts on-target and only once lost the corner count

Fleetwood saw their weekend game at Rochdale postponed, arguably a positive for boss Steven Pressley, whose side is down to the bare bones through injury and illness.

Pressley said he’d need to fill the bench with kids and confirmed he’s looking for a number of reinforcements to bolster his wafer-thin squad. But he’ll also be looking to improve a rotten record on the road.

Since the start of last season, the Cod Army have W11-D5-L19 on their travels, failing to even score in 14/35 (40%). And this term that record reads W2-D2-L8 with five blanks and a solitary clean sheet to their name.

I’m happy to oppose the guests and get improving Colchester onside this midweek. They are 1.91 (William Hill) in the Draw No Bet market and that holds plenty of appeal ahead of the visit from Fleetwood.