City are set to begin their Sky Bet League Two campaign as they welcome visitors Colchester United to the Utilita Energy Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3.00pm).
Colchester will be hoping for another successful campaign after narrowly missing out on promotion last season - with a play-off semi-final defeat to Exeter City.
We have compiled an Opposition Guide, packed full of detailed information on tomorrow's visitors...
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
The U’s have spent the summer making three new additions to their squad, with eight players heading the other way.
INS: Shamal George (Liverpool), Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Fulham, loan), Tommy Smith (Sunderland).
OUTS: Ryan Jackson (Gillingham), Brandon Comley (Bolton Wanderers), Ethan Ross (Lincoln City), Frank Nouble (Plymouth Argyle), Cameron James (Chelmsford), Luke Prosser (Stevenage), Bailey Vose (Margate), Michael Fernandes (Dartford, loan).
ONES TO WATCH
Cohen Bramall
Cohen Bramall was signed by Arsenal in January 2017 as a 20-year-old - off the back of an impressive stint with non-league side Hendnesford Town
The left-back played regularly for the Gunners’ under-23s side before his permanent move to Colchester in 2019, making 32 appearances for the Essex outfit in his debut season.
Kwame Poku
Nineteen-year-old Kwame Poku burst onto the scene for the U’s last campaign, registering 10 goal contributions in 38 appearances after joining from non-league Worthing.
The attacking midfielder was an integral part of Colchester’s sixth-place finish in Sky Bet League Two and is set for another successful season.
Martell Taylor-Crossdale
On-loan from Premier League side Fulham, new arrival Taylor-Crossdale joins the U’s with an exciting reputation as he enters his debut season in senior football.
The forward spent 12 years with Chelsea’s academy and has represented England regularly at youth level from under-16 to under-20 age groups.
THE MANAGER
Former assistant Steve Ball took over the reigns as Colchester United manager on July 28.
During his playing career, the 51-year-old represented the U’s on 68 occasions and will look to build upon the success of his former boss John McGreal.
THE CAPTAIN
Harry Pell was named club captain ahead of the 2020/21 season, replacing the departing former skipper Luke Prosser.
The 29-year-old midfielder joined Colchester from Cheltenham in 2018, and has made 62 appearances for the U’s as he enters his third year with the Essex outfit.
LAST TIME OUT
Colchester United suffered their second-successive loss to commence the new season with a 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the EFL Trophy at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth 2 (Marcus Harness 37’, 38’)
Colchester United 0
EFL Trophy - Southern Group I
Tuesday September 8
Colchester United: George, Welch-Hayes, Sowunmi, Senior, Brown (Taylor-Crossdale 66’), Chilvers, Scarlett, Eastman, Poku (Cowan-Hall 66'), Stevenson, Gambin (Marshall-Miranda 77’).
The match will be available to watch LIVE - with an exclusive iFollow video access code - as part of supporters' 'City For All' season ticket.
Non season-ticket holders can also stream the action for £10, with video match passes available to purchase by CLICKING HERE.