Colchester vs Harrogate Town Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this League Two scrap between two sides who're basically twins in the table - both sitting on 14 points. Colchester are at home, and that's where they've been banging in the goals lately, averaging two per game on their own patch. But here's the kicker, mate - they haven't kept a single clean sheet in their last 10 matches! Not one! Their defence is about as solid as a chocolate teapot.

Harrogate, on the other hand, are a funny bunch. They don't do draws - it's all or nothing with them. Four wins and six losses in their last 10 tells you that story. They're not exactly free-scoring, just one goal per game on average, but they do keep it tighter at the back with four clean sheets in that spell. Still, even they managed to ship three against Fleetwood in their last outing.

When you dig into the recent form, Colchester look the busier side. They've won three of their last four, including that mad 6-2 against Chesterfield and a decent 2-1 win over Grimsby away. Harrogate have been more up and down, losing three of their last five but did grab a handy 1-0 win at Gillingham.

The head-to-head is dead level over nine meetings (4-1-4), with the last encounter ending 0-0. But given how leaky Colchester are at the back, I can't see another goalless affair here.

Key Points:

• Colchester have kept ZERO clean sheets in 10 games (shocking stuff!)

• 80% of Colchester's recent games have seen both teams score

• Colchester score 2 goals per game at home

• Harrogate don't do draws - it's win or lose for them

• Both teams are level on points in 16th and 17th

The value here looks to be both teams getting on the scoresheet. Colchester's defence is basically a revolving door, while they're scoring plenty at home. Harrogate might not be prolific, but they should find a way through this backline. At 1.73, that's proper value in my book.