'Defensively impressive' Colchester United vs Walsall: The inside track

1. How would you assess Colchester's business in January? 

It’s been very productive. Seven players have arrived and seven have departed in the window and Danny Cowley will be very pleased with the business they have done, heading into the second half of the season. 

The majority of Colchester’s signings in January have been loans, with deadline day arrivals Ken Aboh and Anthony Scully added to the capture of fellow loanees Michael Forbes, Jack Tucker and Tyreece Simpson, who came in earlier in the window. 

Kyreece Lisbie has arrived on a permanent deal from Brentford and former U’s player Kane Vincent-Young has returned to the club, representing some good dealings for the club. Three centre-backs departed - Ben Goodliffe who moved on loan to Southend United, along with Aaron Donnelly and Will Greenidge – while striker Tom Hopper also moved to Southend, while Alex Woodyard and Matt Jay also left. 

2. What has been the key to Colchester's recent record of nine clean sheets in 13 games? 

It’s generally been an excellent all-round team ethic. Danny Cowley’s sides lead from the front, so whoever is leading the line for them in attack sets the tone for the rest of the side, in terms of team ethic. 

Defensively, they have been very impressive. Goalkeeper Matt Macey has been solid as have their current central defensive partnership of captain Tom Flanagan and Fiacre Kelleher, while full-backs Ellis Iandolo and Mandela Egbo have been superb both in defence and attack. 

Add to that the superb Jamie McDonnell, who has been a revelation in midfield for Colchester since joining on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest and you have all of the ingredients for a well-organised, disciplined side. 

3. What are the biggest threats that Colchester can pose to Walsall? 

Colchester like to get the ball wide and attack down the flanks. Jack Payne has had a big impact in the number ten role and invariably has a hand in all of their attacks, while wide men Owura Edwards, who scored a fine goal in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Tranmere Rovers, and Harry Anderson are also pivotal to the system the U’s play. 

And if Colchester lose the ball, you can bet that Jamie McDonnell will be battling to win possession back with relentless determination, in midfield. 

4. Who is the biggest danger man in the U's ranks? 

It’s difficult to look past their top scorer Lyle Taylor, when assessing Colchester’s threats. The 34-year-old has been a huge influence both on and off the pitch since arriving from Cambridge United last summer and has hit 12 goals so far, this season. 

5. Any team news? 

Colchester will check on the fitness of winger John-Kymani Gordon ahead of the game. He limped out of their win at Tranmere last weekend with an ankle injury and will be assessed. Samson Tovide remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Rob Hunt is also still out with a calf problem. 

The game is likely to come too soon for new loan signing Anthony Scully after his move from Portsmouth but fellow deadline day signings Ken Aboh and Kyreece Lisbie could make their Colchester debuts. 

6. Predictions?

I’m going to sit on the fence and go for a 1-1 draw.