Colchester vs Cheltenham preview
Friday 8 February 2019 11:05, UK
Colchester could have forward Luke Norris back in contention for the Sky Bet League Two match against Cheltenham.
Norris, who has scored eight goals this season, has returned to full training following an ankle problem which has sidelined him since early January. French attacker Mikael Mandron was taken off at half-time in the 4-0 win over Northampton last weekend with a sore hamstring and continues to be monitored.
Loan signings Ben Stevenson, Abo Eisa and Callum Roberts all featured against the Cobblers, so should be involved again as the U's look to maintain their play-off push. Forward Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe has joined Derry City until June 30.
Cheltenham will check on midfielder Alex Addai ahead of the trip to Essex. Addai limped off late in the first half of Tuesday's 1-0 home win over Yeovil with a hamstring problem and is doubtful.
Rakish Bingham, signed from Scottish side Hamilton, came off the bench to replace Addai and make his debut, so is likely to be in contention to start. Defenders Sean Long and Will Boyle (both ankle) continue their recovery, along with forward Tyrone Barnett (hamstring) while midfielder Nigel Atangana (Achilles) is out for the season.
Opta stats
This will be the 10th league encounter between Colchester and Cheltenham, with the U's having scored in each of the previous nine games (18 - averaging two goals per game).
Cheltenham won this exact fixture last season (4-1), scoring double the amount of goals (4) they managed in their previous three league visits to Colchester combined (2).
Colchester are without a win in four home league games (D2 L2), last going longer without a victory on home soil in March 2016, a run off 11 matches.
Cheltenham have won their last two league fixtures and are looking to win three on the bounce for the first time since October 2017.
Colchester's Brennan Dickenson has scored in each of his last three Football League appearances against Cheltenham (three goals); against no other side has he netted more in the EFL.
