A tactical insight into tonight's Premier League Cup opponents, Colchester United.
Fixture: Sunderland U23 v Colchester United U23
Location: Eppleton Colliery Welfare
Date and kick-off: Friday 17 March, kick-off 7pm
Competition: Premier League Cup
COLCHESTER UNITED ANALYSED
Pathway to the last 16. . .
Colchester United advanced to the last 16 of this year’s Premier League Cup, upsetting all the odds in the process. But they definitely deserve it. The Essex club began their journey with a narrow 1-0 win at Hull City in October before a hard fought draw at home to Derby County saw them head into the new year with a pleasing four points from a possible six.
An eye-catching 2-1 win against Manchester City in their next group match followed for Colchester as they remained unbeaten after three games. However, defeats to City and then Derby set up a grandstand finish in Group C before victory over Hull City secured Colchester’s place in the knockout stages.
Talking tactics. . .
Wayne Brown has an extremely rigid approach to Colchester’s game. Usually operating with three at the back, the U’s are hardworking and will undoubtedly provide a real physical test for Elliott Dickman’s outfit. In recent matches Colchester have deployed two strikers up top, and seem to be keen on the pair to lead the line and hunt together to apply pressure from the front. The two up top rarely shift or drop deep so that will provide Sunderland’s backline with a key battle to deal with throughout 90 minutes. However, the Black Cats can exploit are the wide areas and will have to make the most of Colchester’s narrow style. Quick passing between the lines and decisive play at the back will be crucial to the development squad’s hopes of advancing to the last eight.
Ticket information. . .
Entry to the game is priced £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s on entry.
