2025 begins for both sides in Swindon, as Danny Cowley’s Colchester United travel west to face Ian Holloway’s Swindon Town. Olly’s men have been on a decent run of form as of late, however with 2 draws from their festive fixtures, they will be looking for maximum points to kick off what Swindon fans can only hope will be a much more positive year for them on and off the field. As for Colchester, Danny Cowley’s steady approach to things at the club has received mixed reaction from fans, however most are happier with the former Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town boss in the dugout. They have been the division's draw specialists this season, with 12 in all, with their great run of 11 unbeaten going slightly under the radar due to this. Who was the last team to beat Colchester United, you may ask? It was Swindon…
Both sides are not in the league position they would have hoped for at the halfway mark, but it’s Holloway’s Swindon that’s more desperate for all three points. Sitting 21st in the table, and despite picking up 8 points from their last 5 games, they’re still just 3 points above the relegation zone. Colchester, meanwhile, have drawn too often and find themselves 15th, 9 points off the playoffs. Remarkably, they’ve lost half as many games as 5th-placed Grimsby Town yet trail them by 10 points.
Predicted Lineup: Dan Barden, George Cox, Billy Kirkman, Ryan Delaney, Will Wright, Tummise Sobowale, Gavin Kilkenny, Dam Butterworth, Nnamdi Ofoborh, Aaron Drinan, Harry Smith
Swindon have been heavily reliant on the goals of target man Harry Smith, who’s scored 9 times and sits among the division’s top scorers. Their main issue hasn’t been offense but rather a leaky defense that sees them 21st in the standings. Holloway’s five-at-the-back formation aims to limit space in behind, which will be key against Colchester’s attacking threat.
Predicted Lineup: Matt Macey, Ellis Iandolo, Aaron Donnelly, Tom Flanagan, Mandela Egbo, Teddy Bishop, Jamie McDonnell, Harry Anderson, Jack Payne, Owura Edwards, Lyle Taylor
Cowley will look to offensive threats Lyle Taylor, Jack Payne, and Owura Edwards to trouble Swindon’s back line, with Taylor scoring 4 in his last 5. Goalkeeper Matt Macey has 9 clean sheets this season, anchoring a strong defensive unit featuring Flanagan and Donnelly.
3 December 2024 – Colchester United 4-0 Swindon Town (League Two)
2 November 2024 – Swindon Town 2-1 Colchester United (FA Cup)
6 January 2024 – Swindon Town 2-2 Colchester United (League Two)
7 November 2023 – Colchester United 3-1 Swindon Town (League Two)
1 January 2023 – Colchester United 1-0 Swindon Town (League Two)
This fixture often produces goals, with both teams scoring in 3 of their last 4 encounters. Swindon will be seeking revenge for the 4-0 away defeat at Colchester, hoping their pragmatic approach can stifle the wide threats the visitors pose.
That’s why our experts have chosen Swindon Town To Win + Both Teams To Score as the best value tip for this match.
Odds of 3/1 mean a £10 bet could return up to £40.
(odds subject to change)
Swindon Town 2-1 Colchester United
You Can Play
Join our newsletter
Become a part of our community and never miss an update from Football Park.
Contact Sales