MATCH PREVIEW | Colchester United vs Swindon Town

Swindon travel to Colchester for a midweek League Two clash, a win would move Swindon back into the play-off places.

The hosts have lost three on the bounce, with the latest defeat coming at the hands of National League side Aldershot who managed to put seven in the Swindon net. Despite scoring four of their own Swindon were embarrassed in front of their home crowd, and rightfully mocked all over social media. 

The main focus should be on avenging their horrific performance in the FA Cup. To answer their critics the job is simple. Beat Colchester.

Struggles on the road

Swindon started the season strongly and their home form was largely the reason for that. Town have not won away from home since the second game of the season against Forest Green. 

Since that win Swindon have drawn four and lost three. In those games, they have conceded 16 but have scored 12 with a large share of both coming in the 5–5 tie with Wrexham. So what is the issue when travelling away?

When playing in front of their home fans Town has only lost once and split the points on one occasion whilst only conceding seven goals. The large gap in goals conceded is a concern that will need addressing but scoring goals has been less of a problem. 

Colchester could provide the perfect opportunity to fix their away struggles. The U’s have one of the worst home records in the league losing on four occasions. 

Injury Issues

It hasn't just been on the pitch that Swindon are struggling with Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and George McEachran joining a growing list of injuries that includes Benn Ward, Jake Cain and Tariq Uwakwe. 

Jake Young missed the FA Cup tie due to his parent club Bradford denying him the chance to play. Hepburn-Murphy should be fit for the game tonight but not having players be fully fit in a squad this shallow does leave a big impact.

With Saido Kahn and Tyrese Shade soon departing on international duty which will make a shallow squad even shallower, avoiding any little niggles or players being unable to train is vital to keeping Swindon’s play-off hopes alive until the January transfer window where reinforcements are a must. 

Head-to-head

Swindon and Colchester have been close-fought occasions in recent history. The last five times the club faced off Colchester have won twice a 3-1 win in January 2020 and a 1-0 win the last time the two sides faced off. 

That same season saw Swindon win the earlier face-off 1-0. The remaining two games were a 1-1 draw and a goalless draw. The games of recent times have not been high-scoring affairs but Swindon are finding the net routinely this season so today's clash could be higher-scoring. 

Swindon Town League Form:
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Colchester United League Form:
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Match Prediction:

The loss to Aldershot was humiliating and Swindon will want to put it right. Town will score but their defensive issues away from home may still rear their head. We predict a high-scoring draw.  

Colchester United 2-2 Swindon Town