For the second time in a week, United face the task of overcoming a promotion-chasing side at Brunton Park as they face Colchester United (Saturday, 3pm kick-off).

It's a quick chance to put right the disappointing result against Millwall in midweek against a side who have managed to keep the pace with the rest of the promotion pacesetters this season despite the early setback of losing their manager.

Paul Lambert's departure to rivals Norwich City may have left a bad taste in the mouth of many Colchester fans, but his replacement Aidy Boothroyd has gone someway to make up for that by leading The U's fourth place and looking a good bet for at least a play-off place this season.

The two sides have met on 34 occasions, with United winning 11, Colchester 16 and 7 encounters ending in draws. The last time the two sides met was just over a month ago where Ian Harte's early goal was cancelled out by a Clive Platt goal before Kayode Odejayi scored a controversial late winner.

This weekend's game is also United's nominated "Football for Heroes" game, supporting the Help for Heroes charity. For more information on this, click here.

United will be wearing blue shirts, white shorts and white socks this weekend. To get the latest on the kit drama's of United kitman Andy Hall, you can follow him on twitter at twitter.com/cufckit

You can now also become a fan of United on Facebook! Simply visit www.facebook.com/carlisleunitedfc and select the "Become A Fan" option to show your support and receive regular updates.

PRE-MATCH COMMENTS

United manager Greg Abbott, speaking to the media ahead of this weekend's game said:

"The pitch down there wasn't great when we played them but, to be fair, I thought we played some good football.

"It was a game that we thought that we should have got something out of but they equalised with a contentious goal, and it wasn't to be.

"It's what happens tomorrow that counts now and we want to be picking up results quickly so that we can enjoy our end to the season.

"We know what Colchester are going to do and we know how they play. What we will have to do is stand up and be brave. That was message on Wednesday when we trained and it is the same message now."

A full video interview with Greg will be available to subscribers on United Player later.

UNITED TEAM NEWS

United will have a new signing available for this weekend's game after manager Greg Abbott was forced into the loan market by another injury to one of his forwards.

Following on from the groin injury picked up by Darryl Duffy last week, Scott Dobie had to be subbed against Millwall on Tuesday night after pick up a groin injury of his own. To cover that injury, United have signed up Millwall forward Jason Price on-loan for the rest of the season. The former Swansea and Doncaster player goes straight into the squad this weekend but will not be available for the JPT final due to being cup-tied.

Still out with long term injuries are Andy Cook (foot) and David Raven (hip). Also out injured is Lenny Pidgeley, who is recovering from a broken hand injury picked up last month and Joe Anyinsah, who is recovering from his stomach operation. Unavailable due to being out on-loan are Gary Madine (Chesterfield) and Michael Burns (Stafford Rangers).

COLCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS

The U's have included one youth team player for the long trip up to Cumbria this weekend.

First year trainee Craig Arnott has been rewarded for his goal scoring exploits for the Colchester youth team this season by being given a squad number, despite only being halfway through his youth scolarship. He has travelled up for the game and could be included among the substitutes.

While the game will see the return of former United players and staff in John Ward, Ben Williams, Marc Tierney and Paul Reid, one ex-Blues player who will not feature is Simon Hackney. He has found first team opportunities limited under Boothroyd and as a result has moved to League One side Morecambe on a months loan.

REF WATCH

The referee for this weekend's game will be Jock Waugh from South Yorkshire.

He has never previously refereed a United game and is in his first season as a Football League referee. So far this campaign he has taken charge of 18 games, handing out 56 yellow and 4 red cards.

Taking up assistant referee duties will be Paul Curry and Iain Siddall, with Tony Harrington in the fourth official role.

TICKET NEWS

Tickets for this evening's game are charged at the usual rate for league games. Full details on prices are available by clicking here.

BETTING NEWS

It's almost halfway through the season now and there are still plenty of opportunities to get great odds with our online bookmaker bet365.

After the midweek home defeat to Millwall, United have been made outsiders for this game at 9/5. Promotion chasing Colchester are favourites at 6/4, while if you think the game will be a draw, you can back this at 9/4.

After being recalled to the starting line-up against Millwall in midweek, player-coach Graham Kavanagh could start again this weekend in the advanced midfield role with United short on attacking options. If you fancy him to score the opener against Colchester, you can get odds of 14/1. Combine that with a 2-0 win to United in a scorecast and you get odds of 110/1.

For details on odds available on the game as well as other fixtures across Europe and other sports, visit the bet365 website by clicking HERE.