Live Commentary

Rowlands in line for debut New signing Martin Rowlands goes straight into contention for his Colchester debut at home to Sheffield United. The midfielder on Thursday penned a deal with the U's until the end of the season following his release earlier this week by QPR and manager John Ward could opt to throw him in from the off against the high-flying Blades. Although, the U's clinched their first win in four games with last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Leyton Orient and Ward may be tempted to keep faith with the same XI. Much of that will depend on the fitness of midfielder Lloyd James, who has been receiving treatment on an ankle injury sustained at Brisbane Road. Elsewhere, midfielder John-Joe O'Toole (groin) continues to work towards his recovery while centre-back Matt Heath (groin) and winger Ashley Vincent (hamstring) miss out again. Sheffield United's new signing Will Hoskins is expected to make his debut for the club. Striker Hoskins, a deadline-day loan signing from Brighton until the end of the season, could start alongside 18-goal Ched Evans, with Richard Cresswell possibly dropping to the substitutes' bench. Manager Danny Wilson has no new injury or suspension problems, but will be without another forward, James Beattie, who sits out the second game of his three-match ban. Wilson may want to freshen his side up following last week's heavy FA Cup defeat to Birmingham, with defenders Johnny Ertl and Marcus Williams, midfield pair Ryan Flynn and Nick Montgomery and striker Chris Porter all pushing for recalls to the starting line-up. The Blades are looking to bounce back from successive defeats - they lost to leaders Charlton in their last league match - in their bid to leapfrog Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield into the second automatic promotion place.