Colchester V Brentford at The Weston Homes Community Stadium : Match Preview

23 December 2012 16:31
Colchester V Brentford - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Jabo be there

Jabo Ibehre will be assessed ahead of Colchester's home clash against Brentford on Boxing Day.

The striker was forced off on the hour mark in Saturday's disappointing 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Walsall having appeared to have pulled a stomach muscle.

Ibehre will now be monitored in the build-up to the Bees' visit as the U's aim to halt a woeful run of form which has seen them lose eight of their last nine games.

Fellow forward Gavin Massey returns to contention following his three-match ban, providing a welcome option for under-pressure boss Joe Dunne.

Marcus Bean and Magnus Okuonghae made their comebacks from suspension against the Saddlers but were only named on the bench, with the pair pushing to start this time around.

Colchester have announced the capture of Portsmouth winger Jack Compton but the 24-year-old is not available to play until January when the transfer window opens.

Brentford goalkeeper Simon Moore is expected to return to Uwe Rosler's starting line-up.

Moore missed the FA Cup second-round replay win over Bradford last week after suffering a knock at Notts County the weekend before.

He was touch and go for Saturday's fixture with Stevenage, but after the game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch he should make his return on Boxing Day.

On-loan duo Rob Kiernan and Lee Hodson are available again after they were ineligible for the cup tie, while midfielder Adam Forshaw and defender Harlee Dean are expected to return to the starting XI.

Midfielder Kevin O'Connor (ankle) and striker Farid El Alagui (knee) remain sidelined.

The Bees are unbeaten in their last nine league fixtures and are two points behind leaders Sheffield United with a game in hand.

Source: PA