COLCHESTER UNITED

Colchester have been slowly building up to a promotion challenge over the last couple of years under John McGreal; they’re a solid unit and tough to break down, but a lack of consistency has been their ultimate downfall. They won four and lost four of their previous eight matches, drawing six in seven before that. They comprehensively beat promoted Plymouth 3-0 just a week after going down 2-1 to struggling Cambridge United.

Aside from a 2-0 defeat against Cheltenham on February 29th, they haven’t lost a league game by a margin of two this season and that’s down to a solid and organised defence. Luke Prosser and Ryan Jackson have been a key part of an impressive back four that also boasts Tom Eastman and Cohen Bramall, with former Ipswich man Dean Gerken the safe pair of hands behind them.

They have favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation for much of the season, but that will rely on Theo Robinson being available on loan from Southend. He’s the leading scorer for the U’s and in his absence, they may lack a little firepower, although the experienced Luke Norris will be keen to start against Exeter. The two sides have met twice this season and on both occasions, the shares were spoiled, 2-2 in December and 0-0 in the rematch in January.