Colchester v Sheff Utd preview

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New signing Gavin Massey comes into contention for Colchester’s home clash this weekend.

The forward arrived from Watford on a free transfer on Wednesday having enjoyed a loan spell with the U’s last season.

But Massey’s lack of pre-season action means he is not fully match fit and the 19-year-old is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench.

Captain Kem Izzet is not expected to have recovered from the back injury which forced him to miss Tuesday’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Portsmouth, while left-back Ben Coker (dead leg) will again be assessed.

Otherwise, manager John Ward is likely to have a fully-fit squad as Colchester go in search of their first win of the season.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson is expected to name the same starting line-up for this clash.

Wilson has no new injury or suspension problems following the midweek draw at Coventry and is unlikely to tinker with his current 4-4-2 formation.

Matt Hill returned to the left-back slot in place of Marcus Williams at the Ricoh Arena and midfielder Ryan Flynn returned to the substitutes’ bench after shaking off a minor injury.

Summer signings Nick Blackman and John Cofie are expected to spearhead the Blades’ attack again, although Shaun Miller replaced the latter on Tuesday night and offers Wilson an alternative.

Midfielder Nick Montgomery and striker Richard Cresswell, the club’s top two wage earners, are not expected to feature as they have both been placed on the transfer list.