Colchester United head into Tuesday's fixture with Sutton United looking for the victory which would move them clear of the League Two relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Sutton make the trip to the JobServe Community Stadium knowing that claiming three points will see them progress back into a playoff spot.

Match preview

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Given the standard of the players which were signed during the summer, Hayden Mullins can only be frustrated with Colchester's lack of progress this season.

Recording just three wins and nine goals from 13 matches is not what the former midfielder would have envisaged, and he will consider his team to be in a relegation battle until they can move further clear of the bottom two.

Nevertheless, emerging victorious in their game in hand in midweek can catapult the club into 16th position, just six points short of fourth spot.

Losing 3-0 at promotion contenders Port Vale came as a blow, but collecting four points from games with Harrogate Town and Bristol Rovers should remain fresh in the memory.

Mullins has continued to keep faith in forward Frank Nouble, who has started every game this season despite failing to get on the scoresheet.

Sutton have been little short of sensational since September 11, the newcomers to the division collecting 18 points from their most recent nine games.

Some momentum has been lost with back-to-back defeats to Swindon Town and Rochdale, but there should be a sense of perspective with how they fought back from two goals down with 10 men in the latter before losing to a last-gasp winner.

In sharp contrast to their hosts, goals have not been an issue for Matt Gray's men, with as many as 12 being registered in their last six outings.

While their 20 strikes have been shared among 12 different players, just seven goals have been scored away from Gander Green Lane.

Team News

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Tom Eastman is expected to retain his place in the Colchester XI, despite the centre-back being withdrawn at half time at Vale Park.

Mullins may consider replacing right-back Luke Chambers with Miles Welch-Hayes or Cameron Coxe, but that could be the only alteration to the side.

Sutton will be without Richie Bennett, who was sent off on the half-time whistle during the defeat at Rochdale.

After getting on the scoresheet at Spotland, Isaac Olaofe should be handed just his second start of the season as his replacement.

Coby Rowe is also in line to feature in defence after the early injury to Louis John at the weekend.

Colchester United possible starting lineup:
George; Welch-Hayes, Eastman, Smith, Daniels; Hannant, Sarpong-Wiredu, Skuse, Chilvers; Nouble, Sears

Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Bouzanis; Kizzi, Goodliffe, Rowe, Milsom; Boldewijn, Barden, Smith, Randall; Wilson, Olaofe

We say: Colchester United 1-1 Sutton United

On the back of two successive defeats, it is difficult to back Sutton on the road against opponents who have only lost four times this season. With that in mind, a low-scoring draw feels like a sensible prediction, particularly after their respective disappointments at the weekend.

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