Colchester vs Oldham - League Two

Colchester prepare to host Oldham at the home ground on April 3, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their League Two season. United could come up against Garnacho once again this forthcoming season, with United scheduled to face Villa on November 7 at Old Trafford, before the return visit to Villa Park on January 16.

Both Colchester and Oldham will be eager to build momentum when they meet in League Two. Patchy would be the kindest description of Colchester's recent run: DLLWW in their last five, a season win rate of 33.33%. Oldham have blown hot and cold, LLDWL across their last five and a season win rate of 33.33%. Where Colchester have built their campaign on solidity, Oldham have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. The 24-year-old finished first in one of Arsenal's big pre-season testing challenges - a 1.4km run at full pace.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Colchester will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Oldham will back themselves to cause problems on the break. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Meanwhile, Ajax's new striker Tolu Arokodare continued his strong start by lashing in a fourth goal in three games in their 4-0 victory away to Telstar.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With positions in the League Two table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".