Preview:Exeter City vs. Colchester United - prediction, team news, lineups

Round 42 of the 2021-22 League Two season kicks off at St James Park on Friday with a meeting between Exeter City and Colchester United.

The sides come into the game off the back of contrasting results last time out, with the hosts picking up a third straight victory, while the away side saw their two-game winning streak snapped.

Match preview

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Exeter City extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches courtesy of a narrow 1-0 win versus Carlisle United at Brunton Park on Saturday.

Padraig Amond popped up with a late winner to hand his side all three points as the game remained level heading into second-half stoppage time.

Matt Taylor's men remain second in the standings, five points adrift of Forest Green Rovers with six games left for the duo to play.

While the league title may be out of reach, the Grecians are well-placed to secure promotion to the third tier of English football.

In the meantime, Friday's hosts have their sights set on getting the better of an opposing side yet to win on any of their last nine visits dating back to 2010.

Colchester were beaten 2-0 by Stevenage on Saturday when the teams went head-to-head at the Colchester Community stadium.

Jamie Reid broke the deadlock in the final knockings of the first half before Luke Norris added a second four minutes into the second period.

As a result, Wayne Brown's men have slipped to 20th place in the standings but still possess a relatively healthy eight-point cushion over the drop zone.

Following a 3-1 triumph in November's reverse fixture, Friday's visitors set out to complete a first league double over their hosts.

Team News

Exeter will be without the services of Kyle Taylor, who is set to miss a fifth straight game due to an ankle dislocation.

Padraig Amond came off the bench to good effect last time out and could be rewarded with a place in the starting XI for this one.

Ryan Clampin has not featured in any of his side's last 36 games through a knee injury, but the 23-year-old is closing in on a return to action.

Dean Gerken is still unavailable for Colchester due to a hip problem which he suffered back in January.

Freddie Sears scored the clincher in the reverse fixture and will be looking to pick up where he left off in his last away outing where he netted.

Exeter City possible starting lineup:

Dawson; Hartridge, Stubbs, Sweeney; Sparkes, Dieng, Collins, Key; Jay, Zanzala, Brown

Colchester United possible starting lineup:

George; Coxe, Chambers, Eastman, Kenlock; Wiredu, Skuse; Wright, Chilvers, Judge; Sears

We say: Exeter City 2-0 Colchester United

A quick glance at the league standings suggests that the hosts are nailed on to emerge victorious, and we expect Exeter to live up to expectations by securing a routine victory come the full-time whistle.