Michael Ricketts started in the cup tie giving more options up front with Neil Mellor coming off the bench for his first team debut in what has been a horrible twelve months.
Nugent is set to keep his place after his recent run of fine form so the other striking place is up for grabs with Dichio set to come back from illness and Ormerod ready to take back his place.
The midfield is once again competitve with Whaley coming into form, Mckenna looking strong with Davidson set to return rivalling Pugh and Sedgewick for a midfield slot. Lewis Neal also has proved that he is a viable option down the left.
Lonergan is set to resume in goals after a good return to the first team. Nash if still at the club will warm the bench along with St Ledger who is being kept out of the side by Wilson who has kept a clean shete in three of his four games whilst bagging two goals.
Preston know that Colchester have a good a home record as anyone in the division but after losing ground in the play off race they will look to close the gap on the top few.
The next two matches will be crucial in the season as most of Preston's rivals face home games.