Colchester v Aston Villa preview: Carabao Cup clash live on Sky Sports Football
Wednesday 9 August 2017 23:49, UK
Kyel Reid has been added to the Colchester squad ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports Football on Wednesday night.
The Coventry winger has moved to the U's on loan until January and could be handed a debut when Steve Bruce's side come to town. Defender Tom Eastham is a doubt having come off against Accrington with an ankle injury.
Brennan Dickenson, Luke Prosser (both knee), Kurtis Guthrie (ankle) and Doug Loft (back) are all sidelined.
Villa boss Bruce will take the opportunity to rest several of his senior players. John Terry, Glenn Whelan and Gabriel Agbonlahor are among those likely to be stood down ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship test at Cardiff.
There should be starting opportunities for on-loan Tottenham youngster Josh Onomah, Andre Green, James Bree and Conor Hourihane. Veteran defender Chris Samba could also make his first start since joining the club on a free transfer last month.
Live Carabao Cup
Opta stats
Aston Villa have progressed from each of their previous two League Cup ties v Colchester, a quarter-final tie in 1974/75 and a two-legged second round match in 1979/80.
These are the only three previous matches between the two sides in any competition. Colchester won the last meeting 2-0 but Villa progressed on penalties.
This is the first time Villa have played in the first round in consecutive seasons since 1972/73 - they were beaten 3-1 by fourth-tier Luton last season.
Bruce has not lost a first-round League Cup tie as manager since 2000/01 while at Huddersfield, advancing from his last four at this stage.
