Sam Stringer previews a big cup clash this weekend…
As English football moves ever closer to the famous third round draw of the FA Cup, attention turns to the Weston Homes Community Stadium with Colchester and Peterborough facing off.
The all-league-one tie sees the two sides clash live on BT Sport at 4:30pm on Sunday 7th December, making it the final fixture of the second round, excluding possible replays.
Both teams are have hit some miserable form going into the festive period, which has seen them slumped to bottom and second bottom of the form table, counting the last five games.
Tony Humes’ men had amassed a run of four games unbeaten, before a home loss to Port Vale triggered three more straight losses, the most recent of which saw them ship six goals to MK Dons.
In this time the only real glory for the Essex outfit was in the FA Cup, as they themselves scored six in a thrilling encounter against Gosport Borough which saw them triumph in the first round proper.
It’s been a similar story for the Posh, with their only win in their last seven competitive games coming over Carlisle, as Christian Burgess’s injury-time winner earned his side a place in the second round.
Darren Ferguson’s side tasted domestic cup success last season after winning the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy, but were thwarted in FA Cup third round by non-league side Kidderminster Harriers.
Colchester, then under the management of Joe Dunne, were knocked out of last season’s FA Cup first round by Sheffield United who themselves went on to reach the semi-finals at Wembley.
The opportunity for both teams is massive, with a chance for them to bring their fans a welcome distraction from below par league campaigns and earn serious prize money in the process.
Posh are without first-team players Craig Mackail-Smith and Harry Beautyman, with the latter cup-tied and the Scot refused permission to play by parent club Brighton. Marcus Maddison is an injury doubt.
Colchester have problems of their own in defence with Magnus Okuonghae out injured and his loanee replacement Will Packwood suspended. The week also saw Dom Vose and David Wright depart the club.
Colchester United FA Cup form: W – GF: 6 – GA: 3
Likely line-up: Walker; Hewitt, Clohessy, Eastman, Kpekawa; Moncur, Fox, Gilbey; Watt, Healey, Sears
Peterborough FA Cup form: W – GF: 2 – GA: 1
Likely line-up: Alnwick; Nthle, Burgess, Zakuani, Smith; Newell, Anderson, Payne, Oztumer; McLean, Washington