Colchester United boss highlights 'powerful' Walsall threat

Harrison joined Walsall on loan from League Two rivals MK Dons until the end of the season after putting pen to paper at the final hour on deadline day. 

The 31-year-old, who previously played for U's boss Cowley at Portsmouth, scored four goals in 24 matches in all competitions for the Dons this term. 

Cowley said: "We know El well. We obviously inherited Ellis at Portsmouth. He's a powerful, powerful boy, street strong, a real handful for defenders. 

"He's had a really good career at Bristol Rovers, Ipswich and then at Portsmouth. He's always a top player at these levels so we know his qualities, for sure." 

Colchester made it back-to-back wins with a 3-1 success at strugglers Tranmere Rovers last weekend, and have collected maximum points in three of their last four, going unbeaten in the process. 

The U's have been particularly strong in defence, keeping a remarkable nine clean sheets from their last 13 league games, with Matt Macey second in the race for the golden glove with 12 shutouts. 

Lyle Taylor has been the talismanic figure for Colchester, scoring nine goals in 24 matches, including a brace at Prenton Park last time out. 

The 34-year-old also had a great record against the Saddlers - scoring once in six of his last seven meetings, with his only blank coming in the 4-0 defeat at Bescot earlier this season. 

Jack Payne has been the U's chief creator, with five goals and seven assists, and the hosts are also hopeful of welcoming back JK Gordon (ankle) who will be assessed ahead of the weekend. 

However,  Colchester will be without Samson Tovide (hamstring), Rob Hunt (calf) and Anthony Scully (ankle).