Leyton Orient and Colchester United face off in a crucial Southern Section Group E match in the 2024-25 EFL Trophy on Tuesday at the Gaughan Group Stadium. Both teams come into the game with contrasting fortunes from their opening group matches, with Leyton Orient seeking redemption after a loss, and Colchester hoping to build on their winning start.
Match Preview
In their opening game of the tournament, Leyton Orient were outclassed by Arsenal’s U21s, suffering a 2-1 defeat. Despite a first-half equalizer from Dan Happe, the League One side could not recover after Ismeal Kabia restored Arsenal’s lead early in the second half. Since that setback, Richie Wellens’ side has gone on an inconsistent run, with back-to-back league losses to Exeter City and Lincoln City contributing to their winless streak in League One.
Currently sitting 19th in League One, Leyton Orient are dangerously close to the relegation zone and have not won at home since a 4-1 EFL Cup victory over Newport County in August. They will be eager to turn things around against a struggling Colchester side.
On the other hand, Colchester United started their EFL Trophy campaign on a high note, defeating MK Dons 2-1 after coming from behind. Goals from Anthony Scully and Fiacre Kelleher secured victory for the League Two outfit. However, Danny Cowley’s side has since struggled for consistency, failing to win in their last three league matches.
Colchester’s away form remains a major concern, with the team still searching for their first win on the road this season. Additionally, they have not kept a clean sheet away from home since January, a streak they will be desperate to break on Tuesday.
Team News
Leyton Orient will be without two players due to international duty. Goalkeeper Josh Keeley has joined the Republic of Ireland U21 squad, while Ethan Galbraith will represent Northern Ireland. Middlesbrough loanee Zach Hemming is expected to start in goal, replacing Sam Howes, who recently moved on loan to Wealdstone.
Midfielder Sean Clare and defender Jack Simpson were substituted early in their weekend loss, potentially paving the way for Jordan Brown to feature.
Colchester United are also missing key players due to international call-ups. Striker Lyle Taylor is with Montserrat, while Aaron Donnelly and Jamie McDonnell are with Northern Ireland’s U21 squad. Portsmouth loanee Anthony Scully is likely to start in Taylor’s place up front, while goalkeeper Matt Macey could make way for Tom Smith.
Injury concerns remain for Colchester, with Owura Edwards, Teddy Bishop, and Harry Anderson all doubtful. Anderson made the bench in the last match but was not used.
Possible Lineups
Leyton Orient:
Hemming; James, Beckles, Simpson, Currie; Pratley; O’Neill, Brown, Perkins, Agyei; Donley
Colchester United:
Smith; Hunt, Kelleher, Flanagan, Iandolo; Payne, Read, Bishop, Gordon; Scully, Tovide
Leyton Orient may not have the best home form, but they face a Colchester side struggling defensively on the road. With Colchester failing to keep an away clean sheet in nearly nine months, Leyton Orient are likely to break their winless streak at home. A low-scoring affair could be on the cards, with the hosts potentially edging out a narrow victory.
Prediction: Leyton Orient 1-0 Colchester United
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