AFC Wimbledon will be looking to wrap up the year in style as we make a trip to Colchester United on Thursday evening.
The Essex-based side are currently sitting at the wrong end of the Sky Bet League Two standings and will no doubt be looking to build on their recent 1-0 victory over Gillingham.
Here we give you the lowdown on what to expect:
THE GAFFER
Matt Bloomfield was handed his first managerial role by the U’s in September, after the former midfielder chose to hang up his boots under medical advice following a concussion injury.
Prior to stepping into coaching, the 38-year-old spent almost 20 years with Wycombe Wanderers, becoming a fans’ favourite at Adams Park.
THE SQUAD
Alex Newby and Noah Chilvers both have three goals apiece from midfield, whilst the experienced Frank Nouble, John Akinde and former Don Kwesi Appiah also offer attacking threat up top.
Matty Longstaff is also a stand out name in the squad, having arrived on loan from Premier League Newcastle United, where he's still warmly remembered for striking a winning goal against Manchester United on his first-team debut.
THEY'VE PLAYED FOR BOTH
Harry Pell is back in a Wimbledon shirt, with our number eight having previously skippered Colchester during a period of three seasons with the club.
The midfielder was part of the U’s squad which reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup during the 2019/20 season, beating the likes of Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur on penalties before eventually exiting to Manchester United.
Courtney Senior was also part of the same team, making over 120 league appearances before departing for Newport County. The winger is now wearing yellow and blue, having signed for us in October.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
We last met Colchester earlier this year, with a brace from Josh Davison earning us a 2-1 comeback victory at Plough Lane following Appiah’s first-half opener.
It was the first time the two sides had met since we returned to the Football League in 2011.
FORM GUIDE
The U’s have won four, drawn five and lost 13 of their opening 22 league games, meaning they currently sit third from bottom in the table.
They were knocked out of both the Papa John’s Trophy (2-1 by Bristol Rovers) and the FA Cup (2-0 by Newport County) in November, whilst Brentford defeated them in the Carabao Cup (2-0) back in August.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THURSDAY
Tickets can be purchased on the day, but Colchester recommend booking in advance due to the cheaper prices. In addition, there is only one self-service ticket machine in the club shop for buying on the day (and this can get very busy), so buy in advance to avoid queuing on the night.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult: £22.50
Concessions: £17.50
Under-18s: £13.75
Carer: FOC
Buy now by accessing the Colchester United website.
Concessions tickets are for Senior 65-plus, Ambulant Disabled, and NHS & Armed Forces.
Wheelchair and Carer tickets will need to be arranged with Colchester on the phone. Call the host club from Monday to Friday (10 am until 2 pm) on 01206 755161 (it is recommended a ticket account is created before calling, so please set-up at www.colutickets.com ).
Parking can also be booked by visiting their website.
Let’s roar on Johnnie’s boys for one final time this year!
PICS: Pro Sports Images