It is a big game for Colchester too, as they look to cement their place in the League One play-offs. Once top of the league, Phil Parkinson's side have stumbled since their F.A. Cup exit to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which ended a run of around 20 wins in 23 games but they are now beginning to pull it back together at the right end of the season.
Previous Meetings:
In one of only three home games I have missed this season, Rovers drew 0-0 with Colchester at Prenton Park on 22nd October 2005 in what I have been told was one of the most boring games of the season. Therefore, I shall comment no further on this game.
Last season "The U's" failed to beat Rovers in either of their two meetings. At Prenton Park the game finished all square at 1-1, Eugene Dadi netting Rovers goal in the 8th minute, whilst at Layer Road on 23rd October Rovers ran out 2-1 winners thanks to Chris Dagnall and Calvin Zola goals.
Vital Stats:
Tranmere haven't lost any of their last three visits to Layer Road
Tranmere have won six of 21 visits to Colchester United
Seven of the last eight meetings between the two sides have ended all square
In 44 matches between the two sides at both Prenton Park and Layer Road, there have been 138 goals
Mondays game will be only the third time the two sides have met in April
The Form Book:
Colchester Last 6 Home Games: WDLWDW
Tranmere Last 6 Away Games: DDLWDL
Colchester's home form has remained pretty solid throughout the 2005/06 season. They have only suffered four home league defeats all season, these coming against Swansea City and Chesterfield (both 2-1), Southend United (3-0) and Bournemouth (1-0).
They have scored some great wins at Layer Road this season however, including cup wins against Lemmington Spa (9-1) and Derby County (3-0) aswell as league wins over Nottingham Forest (3-1), Gillingham (5-0) and Bradford City (3-1).
In their last six home games they have picked up 11 out of a possible 18 points. Although they have failed to string two wins together, they have scored good wins over Hartlepool (2-0), Swindon and Scunthorpe (both 1-0).
Tranmere's away form meanwhile has been very boring and largely poor this season. They often travel away from home intending not to attack the opposition and on a number of occasions this season this has resulted in them losing the game - note their most recent away game on 8th April, a 2-0 defeat to Rotherham and also a 1-0 defeat to Oldham on 25th February.
They have managed just five away goals in 2006, of which two were scored in a 2-1 win over Swindon and another two in a 2-2 draw with Yeovil. The other goal came in a 1-1 draw with Gillingham.
The defeats to Oldham and Rotherham were identical. Brian Little took the side away with the intention of playing for a draw and unfortunatly for the boss, Rovers lost, and had about four shots in both games put together. The tactics were similar to those at Yeovil (2-2), Bradford and Hartlepool (both 0-0) but on these occasions Little's tactics worked.
Tranmere Team News: Mike Jackson remains suspended, serving the second of a three game ban. John Achterberg and Calvin Zola both miss out due to thigh injuries whilst Matthew Murray remains a doubt.
Brian Little will most probably stick with the 5-3-2 formation that he played after Calvin Zola got injured at Rotherham or will go with a 4-4-2 formation, playing Sam Aiston and Carl Tremarco.
Jones' Prediction: Colchester United 4-0 Tranmere Rovers