Forest Green Rovers will attempt to lift themselves off the foot of the League Two table when they host Colchester United on Saturday.

The visitors are only three points ahead of them and head into this fixture on the back of consecutive defeats.

Match preview

Forest Green Rovers have found life back in League Two exceptionally difficult following relegation last season, currently propping up the rest of the division in 24th.

The opening 12 matches have left a lot to be desired, with just two victories and a draw in that period giving the fans very little to shout about.

The Green Devils are without a win in the league throughout their past six matches, but they were given a midweek confidence boost in the EFL Trophy.

Forest Green managed to beat defeat Walsall via a penalty shootout after the game originally finished 1-1, with Tyrese Omotoye getting on the scoresheet.

However, the Green Devils are without a victory at home in League Two this season, losing all six of those matches, and scoring only four times.

The home form is something that the team will have to focus on should they want to survive this season, and they will likely see this weekend as an ideal time to start that journey.

That is because the visitors are only three points and three places above Forest Green, finding themselves in an early six-pointer this weekend.

While the large gap in goal difference between the teams makes it unlikely that Colchester would be overtaken by their opponents, falling level on points would add a lot of pressure to them.

The U's have typically had low-scoring away fixtures so far this season, but their form on the road leaves a lot to be desired, which is something for the team to focus on.

Colchester were comfortably beaten 3-1 during their most recent outing against Morecambe as JJ McKiernan bagged a hattrick, despite the fact that the Shrimps had 10 men from the 35th minute.

While they might have one eye over their shoulder this weekend, the visitors could potentially climb above Doncaster Rovers with a victory if the Vikings drop points.

Team News

After a brilliant individual performance in midweek Jamie Searle is likely to retain his place in goal after helping Forest Green secure a penalty shootout victory.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the field Troy Deeney will be bringing his experience and power to the attacking side of the game as the former Premier League striker continues to try and add to his legacy.

Colchester will be without goalkeeper Owen Goodman this weekend as he is currently away with the England Under-20s, which will force a major change to the starting lineup.

Cameron McGeehan is likely to retain his place in the team though after getting on the scoresheet last weekend, showcasing his qualities from midfield.

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
Searle, Bernard, Inniss, Welch, Robson; Bunker, McCann; McAllister, Taylor, Robertson; Deeney

Colchester United possible starting lineup:
Smith; Egbo, Mitchell, Hall; Kazeem, Mingi, McGeehan, Fevrier; Chilvers; Tovide, Taylor

We say: Forest Green Rovers 0-2 Colchester United

With Forest Green having a poor home record and Colchester not performing well on the road there is a good chance one team can start to change their fortunes this weekend.

Considering the fact both are fighting at the bottom of the division a victory would mean a lot to either club, but it is likely the visitors that will just edge this one.


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