Our return to Layer Road will be met by some talented players who have managed to find an inspiring level of form at home of late. If the Bluebirds are to have any chance of collecting maximum points to halt the U's progress, they will have to watch out for and better the performance of the promoted side across all positions.

We look at the key Colchester United players to keep an eye on come 3pm on Saturday.

IN GOAL: Aidan Davison

The U's veteran keeper is hanging up his gloves at the end of the season, but will hope to have consolidated Colchester's Championship position before retiring.

The 38-year-old is also goalkeeping coach at Layer Road, and is set to pass on his gloves to Dean Gerken next season. In facing the Championship's most potent marksman, Michael Chopra, Davison's bones may be creaking more than usual after the match against Cardiff!

DEFENCE: Greg Halford

Colchester's fans favourite Greg Halford has played in the right-back role this season, despite preferring to play in centre midfield.

Colchester manager Geraint Williams believes the versatile 21-year old is more effective in defence, and few people would argue with him after some impressive performances this season.

Halford's battle against Paul Parry at Layer Road should be one of the highlights of the afternoon.

MIDFIELD: Kevin McLeod

Kevin McLeod may just find that extra bit of motivation for the match against Cardiff. McLeod signed for Colchester from Swansea City near the end of August's transfer window. Injury had restricted McLeod first-team opportunities at the start of the season, but he finally got his full U's debut at home against Southampton.

And what a debut it was, three minutes into the game and McLeod had headed in a goal thanks to a Jamie Cureton cross. McLeod has kept his place in the starting line-up ever since.

UP FRONT: Chris Iwelumo

Chris Iwelumo is the focal point of Colchester's attack, able to use his strength to hold off players, create openings for team-mates and score the odd goal, too.

His tireless work has enabled strike-partner Jamie Cureton to find the space to score many of his seven goals so far this season. Iwelumo's goal tally is three behind Cureton, and he will be looking to draw nearer to this target at home to Cardiff.

Cardiff's defence will have a job dealing with Iwelumo, with Purse and Loovens likely to have a few bruises for their efforts by the end of the match!

Article: Warren Derrick