Colchester – Cheltenham

Colchester host Cheltenham in what promises to be a pivotal fixture as the season approaches its midway point. The U’s sit 13th with eight points from six games, having scored seven and conceded nine, while the Robins sit comfortably in fourth place on 11 points, boasting a positive goal difference of three after netting 13 and letting in 10. Both sides have already recorded two draws, but Cheltenham’s three victories give them a clear edge in recent form. The clash also offers Colchester a chance to close the gap on the top half and test whether they can overturn the head‑to‑head trend that has so far favoured the higher‑placed Cheltenham.