After only picking up one point out of six in the league, Sunderland will be looking to grab this game by the neck to boost confidence.
Steve Bruce has admitted not much has changed in terms of performances away from home so it is lucky we have a home tie in the 2nd round tonight!
Sunderland will look to use this game to add belief to the squad and fans but also let the fringe players feel more involved in the set up.
Sunderland done well in the last Carling Cup campaign but fell at home to Aston Villa on penalties, we need a good run in the cup as this may be our best chance of a cup but even a win will be welcome before we host Man City on Sunday.
Vital Quotes: Steve Bruce
‘We could do with a good result to give everyone a lift after a couple of disappointments in the Premier League and hopefully we’ll get that tonight.
‘Cup games are tricky and you can’t take any for granted – the possibility of a giant-killing is what makes cup games so exciting for so many fans.
‘But we’ve got home advantage and we’re the Premier League side against League One opposition so we’ve got every confidence we can put in a good performance for the fans.
‘We could do with a bit of a boost because everyone’s disappointed with the Birmingham City and West Brom games.
‘But we have to remember it’s still very early days yet and a cup game offers us the chance to take a step forward in terms of sharpness and in terms of putting the Albion result on Saturday behind us.’
Sunderland Team News:
Sunderland will welcome back both captain Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner for this cup tie after serving their suspensions in the league.
Andy Reid will also feature in midfield after recovering from his hamstring problem.
Bruce will also change the squad and may include the young Colback and Waghorn to see how they cope against a lower postioned club.
Player to watch: Lee Cattermole
After being sent off in the opening result to Birmingham we will all be expecting a more composed display by the captain.
Cattermole is important to Sunderland as he provides bite in midfield but can also cause problems going forward. He needs a steady performance to get Bruce and the fans back on his side.
Colchester Team News:
Colchester could be without defender Paul Reid who limped off during the win against Rochdale on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Ben Williams is back in training but is unlikely to be risked so Mark Cousins should keep his place tonight.
Player to watch: Andrew Bond
The U’s midfielder has scored in their last two games and heads to Wearside full of confidence.
Match Facts & Stats
Sunderland are looking for their first win of the season, having picked up one point from two games in the Premier League.
Colchester’s best run in the League Cup came in 1975 when they reached the fifth round.
Match Prediction:
Sunderland 3 – 1 Colchester
I think we will win this game comfortably but still not keep a clean sheet. We need to throw bodies forward to boost the strikers confidence and maybe give a half to Bent to keep him going for Man City on Sunday.
Next Fixtures: Man City (H)
Sunderland face a difficult run of games with the arrival of the billionaires. Man City looked good last night against a poor Liverpool but they know Sunderland have a good home record.
