THE CHALKBOARD

SINCE taking over at the Colchester Community Stadium four days before Christmas, Kevin Keen has shown an openness to experimentation as he bids to propel his team away from the nether regions of League One.

Whilst previous Colchester chief Tony Humes stuck almost steadfastly to slight variations on the 4-3-3 system, three-time West Ham United caretaker Keen hasn’t been scared to shuffle his pack in search of the correct formula - a 4-1-4-1 formation managed to shackle Southend United for long spells last weekend.

Despite his team’s FA Cup third round victory over Championship side Charlton Athletic, Keen has yet to taste victory in the league in his seven weeks in charge, so another shift in shape could be in the offing when the U’s host Town.

Swindon Advertiser:
Kevin Keen

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

A MAN IN FORM – GEORGE MONCUR

KEEPING hold of star man George Moncur during the recently-expired January transfer window was seen, in no uncertain terms, as a major victory for the U’s.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored against Preston North End on the final day of last season to save Colchester’s bacon and Moncur – the son of former Swindon midfielder John, who helped Town gain promotion to the Premier League in 1993 – has seen his excellent performances this term keep him firmly in the spotlight.

The former West Ham United trainee has netted 10 times in 34 appearances to date this season and rumours of interest from Championship clubs, with Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers all mentioned, long persisted but, thankfully for Colchester, a move never materialised.

Swindon Advertiser:
George Moncur

TREATMENT ROOM

COLCHESTER will be without influential midfielder Alex Gilbey when Town travel to Essex this weekend following his red card in last Saturday’s derby clash with Southend United.

U’s vice-captain Gilbey, who was the subject of a failed bid by Bristol City last month, earned a straight red card for his spectacular two-footed lunging challenge on Ryan Leonard, which left the Southend man with medial knee ligament damage, and will be suspended.

Colchester will also be without former Great Britain international Marvin Sordell – the striker is currently sidelined with an ankle problem that has deteriorated over recent weeks.

Kevin Keen's men are also set to still be without defender Alex Wynter, who suffered a sickening clash of heads with team-mate Tom Eastman during Colchester's FA Cup fourth round clash with Tottenham Hotspur last month, whilst young midfielder Sammie Szmodics has a foot injury.

Swindon Advertiser:
Alex Gilbey (right)

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Sat, Jan 16 - SkyBet League 1 - 2-1 Loss v Sheffield Utd (H)

Tue, Jan 19 - SkyBet League 1 - 1-1 Draw v Fleetwood (H)

Sat, Jan 23 - SkyBet League 1 - 3-0 Loss v Scunthorpe (A)

Sat, Jan 30 - FA Cup 4R - 4-1 Loss v Tottenham (H)

Sat, Feb 6 - SkyBet League 1 - 3-0 Loss v Southend (A)

GOALSCORERS

George Moncur 10; Macauley Bonne 8; Marvin Sordell 6

DISCIPLINE

Alex Gilbey 8Y, 1R; Matthew Briggs 7Y; Owen Garvan 5Y

THE STAT

A 2-1 triumph for the U’s at the County Ground in September was their second away win in 11 days - they’ve not tasted victory on the road in the league since.