Colchester United welcome Bradford City to the JobServe Community Stadium this coming Saturday for a 15:00 BST kick-off, as the U's look to make amends for their disappointing downfall on Tuesday night.

Wayne Brown's men held a fantastic two goal lead over promotion chasing Tranmere Rovers, but were pegged back by two goals in the space of five minutes to lose out on a crucial three points.

The home side currently sit bottom of the form table, having just one win in their last 21.

Bradford on the other hand have found themselves in strange position. Having been on a run of just one defeat in 15 games, the Bantams are now winless in five, including three defeats.

Joint managers Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars face a crucial game in their season, with Saturday potentially squashing any outside hopes of a play-off run.

Callum Harriott and Kwame Poku will once again be absent due to international duties.

Tom Lapslie and Omar Sowunmi are also doubts due to recent injuries.

Trueman and Sellars will be missing key man Callum Cooke, who is expected to be out for the next five weeks.

Harry PritchardBryce HossanahLee Novak and Zeli Ismail all remain long-term absentees.

Youngster Finn Cousin-Dawson will most likely not be involved, after taking part in Northern Ireland Under-21's training.

  • Predicted lineups

Colchester United: Gerken; Tchamadeu, Eastman, Smith, Clampin, Pell, Stevenson, Senior, Sarpong-Wiredu, Nouble, Brown.

Bradford City: O'Donnell, A O'Connor, P O'Connor, Canavan, Wood, Watt, Sutton, Vernam, Evans, Crankshaw, Cook.

  • Ones to watch

Harry Pell

Central midfielder Pell put in a valiant display against Tranmere, rightly earning himself the man of the match.

The former Cheltenham Town man has notched just one goal and two assists in 18 appearances this season, but his performance on Tuesday showed glimmers of potential, as the experienced 29-year-old looks to keep Elliot Watt and Levi Sutton quiet.

Paudie O'Connor

Whilst the Bantams defence hasn't been fantastic recently, Paudie O'Connor is one man who can hold his head high.

The Irishman possessed captain-like qualities at the age of 22, and has an average rating of 7.11 in recent weeks. With two goals and two assists this season, his goal contribution rate for a centre-back is applaudable, but his defensive vigilance is what makes his an excellent player.

  • Previous meeting

The last time these two sides faced each other was on the opening day of the season, in what was an underwhelming goalless draw. Bradford dominated the contest however, with 59% possession and 17 shots, Dean Gerken was the hero as he rescued Colchester a point.

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  • How to watch

The match is available on iFollow via Colchester or Bradford's respective club websites, with match passes at £10 for those in the United Kingdom.

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