Sheffield United took a break from league football last weekend and was soon dumped out of the FA Cup at home to Birmingham City who netted four goals without reply, despite the Blades coming close on a few occasions.
The Blades will be without striker James Beattie who will serve the second of a three match ban following his red card at Charlton Athletic almost a fortnight ago. The former Everton, Stoke and Rangers forward has signed a deal with United until the remainder of the season.
On transfer deadline day last Tuesday saw Blades boss Danny Wilson bring in former Rotherham United and Watford striker Will Hoskins on loan until the end of the season from Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion; he could play a role at Colchester this weekend. In a similar move saw Norwegian striker Erik Tonne join York City.
Having being knocked out the FA Cup in Round 2 at home to Swindon Town (0-1) the U's were scheduled to League One action last week; winning 1-0 at Leyton Orient - the victory which put them twelfth in the table was there first league win since 31 December.
U's boss John Ward is expected to be without defender Matt Heath (groin) through injury after picking up the injury in a behind closed doors friendly a week last Monday. Meanwhile former Barnsley forward Keyode Odejayi is likely to start on the substitutes bench and winger Ashley Vincent (hamstring) is also set to miss out through injury.
A day prior to the transfer deadline day saw Pat Baldwin leave the former Layer Road club on a free transfer to League Two outfit Southend United.