Swindon Town predicted line-up against Colchester United

The Robins will look to win their first game in the competition since 2021, where they triumphed 2-1 against Walsall.

With it being the first game for the new boss, it’s hard to predict, but how could Town set up?

Formation: 3-5-2

I do not believe that Holloway will change the formation. The club did not recruit with the plan of playing a back four with wingers so a back five should remain for this tie.

Goalkeeper: Jack Bycroft

A tough one to guess as performances in training will decide who starts in net, but I’ve gone with Bycroft because he started last week against Gillingham and didn’t do bad whatsoever.

Defence: Tunmise Sobowale, Will Wright, Miguel Freckleton

A back three Swindon fans have seen plenty of times this season could return on the weekend. Sobowale and Wright don’t need explaining but I have gone with the Sheffield United loanee as a left centre-back because of Grant Hall’s absence and no word on Ryan Delaney. This means that Will Wright can move back into the middle of the defence. Harrison Minturn could also take the absent place in the backline having been singled out by Holloway, but it’s a guess.

Wingbacks: George Cox and Joel McGregor

Whilst McGregor does not have much competition for his spot on the right, the question is whether Rosaire Longelo has done enough to take the place on the left. Only Holloway will know the answer to that, but I’ve stuck with Cox because his crossing ability he can offer on his day is sensational and could be key on Saturday.

New boss Holloway looks on against Gillingham (Image: Andy Crook) Midfield: Nnamdi Ofoborh, Gavin Kilkenny, Joel Cotterill

A few tweaks in midfield ahead of the weekend’s clash could be how the new boss sets up in the middle. Ofoborh will be the defensive midfielder who sits in front of the back three but he will still offer a lot in that role as he has ability going forward. Former manager Mark Kennedy preferred to play him in a position where he could attempt to bring some attacking spark, but he’s not suited to that. Kilkenny would be pushed up into an eight and will have more freedom in the middle whilst Cotterill is there for the attacking spark whilst being able to provide a shift defensively.

Strikers: Harry Smith and Aaron Drinan

An unchanged front two from how Town lined up against Gillingham under Gavin Gunning is what I think Holloway will go with. This partnership has potential and it’s unknown whether Paul Glatzel is back in the frame, but Smith should fit into the new system quite well whilst the other spot could be up for grabs but I predict Drinan will keep that spot.