Hungarian trialist Bálint Bajner is amongst Town’s substitutes for this evening’s friendly at Colchester United (KO 7.30pm). Ex-Blue Darren Ambrose is a surprise starter for the home side having joined the U's on trial.

The Blues, who will be wearing their new orange away kit for the first time, start with Dean Gerken in goal, Elliott Hewitt at right-back, Tyrone Mings on the left and Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra at the centre of the defence.

In central midfield, ex U’s man Anthony Wordsworth starts alongside Luke Hyam with Alex Henshall on the left and Paul Anderson on the right. Daryl Murphy is partnered by Frank Nouble up front. As in previous games, Town look set to switch their entire XI at half-time.

Missing are Stephen Hunt, who is still suffering with his calf problem, Ted Bishop, who has a minor knock, and David McGoldrick, who is not yet ready for a return to match action as he continues his rehab after his knee injuries.

In addition to Ambrose, Tom Eastman starts for Colchester and David Wright is on the bench along with Drey Wright, the son of Jermaine Wright.

Town: Gerken, Hewitt, Mings, Hyam, Chambers, Berra, Anderson, Wordsworth, Murphy, Nouble, Henshall. Subs: Bialkowski, Veseli, Clarke, Smith, Parr, Taylor Skuse, Tabb, Stewart, Bajner, Marriott, McQueen, Wyatt.

Colchester: Lewington, Gordon, Eastmond, Ambrose, Gilbey, Holman, Sears, Eastman, Clohessy, Vose, Kent. Subs: Walker, D Wright, Okuonghae, Thompson, Bonne, Olufemi, D Wright, Massey, Moncur, Szmodics, O'Donohue, Sembi-Ferris.

Photo: Action Images

Stewart27 added 18:54 - Jul 23 That looks like the team that could start v Fulham??? Would have liked to have seen Taylor start and Stewart instead of Anderson.
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Jimmy86 added 19:10 - Jul 23 For me id like to have seen taylor start ahead of nouble, or even the trialist, hell we already know what nouble can, or possibly more cant do!!! We need to be having a look at bajner. Shame no Lita, he only had 45 mins last night
2

thebeat added 19:12 - Jul 23 That wont be the starting 11 for Fulham. Dont read anything into friendlies. Theres no way we will start the season without Skuse for starters.And if Didz is fit he'll be in and Smith will always start.
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Petebadger added 19:15 - Jul 23 Personally would prefer to see Marriot starting, or some of the trialists...after all they are on trial so surely these are the games to see what they can do. Not as down on Nouble as many others but think he is better in midfield than upfront.
1

jas0999 added 19:18 - Jul 23 Sorry, but for me a Murphy/ Nouble partnership doesn't cry goals! Defence looks strong, but creativity in midfield? Cue a hat trick from Nouble!!!
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jas0999 added 19:20 - Jul 23 Oh and Hunt injured again!
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Jimmy86 added 19:23 - Jul 23 Jas0999 Nouble didnt score 3 goals last season, let alone in one game!!! He puts in the effort to be fair, but as a striker he should be judged on goals, which he doesn't clearly score enough
3

BlueandTruesince82 added 19:24 - Jul 23 Agree it dosnt look like a goal scoring front 2. One assumes the idea is to get some crosses in for the big lads? Are we looking at changing the entire 11 at half time again?
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Bergholtblue added 19:29 - Jul 23 It's not only about looking at trialists, it is also getting key players match fit so they can hit the ground running come the start of the season.
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jas0999 added 20:13 - Jul 23 Jimmy86 ... I fear you have missed the sarcasm!! I have stated I am not enthused by a Murphy/Nouble partnership ... But after slating it, sarcastically pointed out Nouble will score a hat trick! I am a long standing fan of s signing a new striker as think we are lacking when it comes to playing championship sides.
1

carsey added 20:27 - Jul 23 Well that was the worst half of football I have seen at any level. Hope we are better than that on 9 August
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