Tuesday Football Tips: Strike with Shawn at 9/2

Ipswich v Colchester
Tuesday 9 November, 19:45

Colchester striker Shawn McCoulsky looks a big price at 9/2 to score against local rivals Ipswich on Tuesday night.

The former Forest Green forward recently joined the U's on a short-term deal and scored on his debut on Friday, coming off the bench to fire home a neat volley to seal the 4-0 FA Cup win over AFC Sudbury.

Colchester boss Hayden Mullins has spoken well about his new man and this looks the perfect opportunity to give the 24-year-old game time to see if he is worth a longer contract.

Mullins made eight and seven changes for his side's previous group matches in the Papa John's Trophy and so there's a good chance McCoulsky, who has three goals in seven previous EFL Trophy appearances, will start.

If he does, his pace should test what has been a ropey Ipswich defence, albeit one which is also set to be much-changed.

Boss Paul Cook admitted a wealth of changes were on the cards for this game but if his first-choice defenders can ship 25 goals in 16 EFL matches - the most in the top half of League One - will the stand-ins be able to keep Colchester out?

Yes, the U's are from the division below and are hardly pulling up trees but this is a big local derby for them, one that doesn't occur too often. They will be cheered on by a sizeable travelling support at Portman Road - a ground which has seen a remarkable 33 goals in eight games in League One this season - and know that victory will take them through to the knockout stage.

If he does start, McCoulsky will literally be playing to extend his football career and will be at the centre of the visitors' attack.

With that in mind, 9/2 simply looks too big.

Of course, if he's not in the starting XI, you can always opt to cash-out the bet with Betfair and get your original stake back.

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