2026-27 Carabao Cup: First Round – Colchester vs Southampton

Colchester United face Southampton in the first round of the 2026-27 Carabao Cup. 

Victory would see Colchester reach the second round for the third time in five seasons, whilst Southampton last lost at this stage in the 2023-24 season.

 

Team News

Goalkeeper, Tom Smith is a doubt for Colchester as he continues to build up his match fitness, after surgery on a burst appendix delayed his return to pre-season training.

Loan signing, Thimothee Lo-Tutala could therefore start in goal if Smith isn’t fit enough.

Southampton could be without forward, Cyle Larin due to fitness concerns after he recently returned to the club following a leave of absence, due to his involvement in Canada’s run to the Round of 16 at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Caspar Jander (muscle), Finn Azaz (shin) and Samuel Edozie (knock) are doubts.

Lewis Dobbin could be in line for his debut following his move in mid-July.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Colchester meet Southampton at the Colchester Community Stadium on Saturday 8 February at 5:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Colchester lost their only previous League Cup meeting against Southampton by a 3-2 result in October 2004, albeit away in the third round of that season’s competition.
• Southampton are making their first League Cup visit to Colchester.
• Three of Colchester’s 15 goals in pre-season were scored by Jack Payne.
• Including last season’s Championship Play-Offs from which they were subsequently expelled, Tonda Eckert’s Saints have lost just three competitive matches across all competitions in 2026 (W19, D7, L3).

 

Prediction

With home advantage, this is a nice early test for Colchester who have finished in the top half of League Two in the last two seasons but now will look to push higher, meaning that this tie will be an early sign of where they’re currently in their preparations for the league campaign.

Southampton though seem to have just picked up their form of last season with their pre-season form so I expect them to be fired up for this clash, especially if the Us’ fans decide to try and create an intimidating atmosphere with the binocular gesture in reference to spygate.

I however do feel that this will be an one-sided match as the Saints just look too strong but Colchester will give it a good go.

Prediction: Colchester 1-3 Southampton