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 off 11 unbeaten going slightly under the radar due to this. Who was the last team to beat Colchester United you may ask, well, it was Swindon…
Both sides are not in the League position that they would have hoped at the halfway mark, but it is Holloways Swindon that are more desperate for all three points. They sit 21st in the table, and despite their positive run of recent results, picking up 8 points from their last 5 games, they are still only 3 points above the relegation zone. As for Colchester, their heavy draw count has meant that despite not losing many games, they are 15th and 9 points off the playoffs. They have lost half as many games as 5th placed Grimsby Town, who have 10 more points than the Essex side!
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, whose 9 strikes have him amongst the divisions top scorers. But it has not been offensively where Swindon have struggled this season, their defensive woes have lead them to 21st, and that is certainly something Holloway has aimed to quell, with his five at the back system aiming to stop space in behind when out of possession. He will be hoping this is effective against Colchester.
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 be hoping for his offensive threat in Lyle Taylor, Jack Payne and Owura Edwards to be firing on all cylinders here, with Taylor bagging 4 in his last 5 games. With 9 clean sheets Matt Macey has been a standout performer also, and they will be hoping to stem Swindon’s threat from direct play with the height of Flanagan and Donnelly.
3 December 2024 – League Two – Colchester United 4-0 Swindon Town
2 November 2024 – FA Cup – Swindon Town 2-1 Colchester United
6 January 2024 – League Two – Swindon Town 2-2 Colchester United
7 November 2023 – League Two – Colchester United 3-1 Swindon Town
1 January 2023 – League Two – Colchester United 1-0 Swindon Town
This fixture has certainly seen plenty of goals recently, with BTTS landing in 3 of the last 4 matches between the sides. Swindon will be looking for revenge after a 4-0 away defeat at Colchester with thanks to their pragmatic approach and ability to stop the wide threat that Colchester provide.
For that reason, our betting experts have gone with Swindon Town To Win + Both Teams To Score as our best value tip for this game.
Odds of 3/1 mean that a £10 bet has the potential to return up to £40 in this match.
(odds subject to change)
Swindon Town 2-1 Colchester United
We expect this to be a tough, typical League Two fixture amid poor weather forecast in the West Country. With this being something favouring the home side, we feel that Holloway will be able to motivate his men to a victory.
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