Brighton and Hove Albion are not alone in facing problems up front at the moment.

Colchester have lost one striker for the rest of the season and their top scorer is fighting to be fit for tomorrow's clash at Layer Road.

Eire under 21 international Graham Barrett, signed on a long-term loan from Arsenal, damaged medial knee ligaments in the first half of last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Wycombe Wanderers.

Leading marksman Scott McGleish was an even earlier casualty at Adams Park. He is battling against an ankle problem.

Albion will be hoping 14-goal McGleish doesn't make it, as he has often been a thorn in their side. He scored against the Seagulls twice in recent years for Leyton Orient and once for Barnet.

Colchester also have a 21-year-old loan forward expected to make his debut. Boss Steve Whitton signed Charlie MacDonald from Charlton this week to ease the striker shortage.

MacDonald has already had a stint on loan this season at Torquay. Whitton said: "Charlie is a sharp little player who gives us attacking options.

"As well as playing up front he can also play on either flank, so he will come in handy with Graham out."

Australian international Con Blatsis makes his third appearance at centre half alongside skipper and ex-Millwall stopper Scott Fitzgerald.

Blatsis, formerly with Derby County, was a South Melbourne team-mate of Albion reserve keeper Chris Jones in the 2000 World Club Championships in Brazil.

The midfield includes Frenchman Thomas Pinault and Muzzy Izzet's younger brother Kemal, but long-serving David Gregory is sidelined by a knee injury.

McGleish's replacement at Wycombe was Adrian Coote, the club's joint record buy. He was signed from Norwich for £50,000, an indication of the low budget squad put together by Whitton.

Fellow forward Kevin Rapley arrived from Notts County last summer on a free transfer.

Colchester finished 17th last season and began as one of the bookies favourites for relegation.

They were shock early leaders but have won only three times this year and once in the last eight matches, against QPR in their last home game, leaving them in mid-table with little except pride to play for.

Cardiff have still to visit Layer Road, where United have beaten leaders Reading and drawn with Brentford, Huddersfield and Bristol City.

Whitton said: "There are five games to go and points to play for. There is still a lot to be proven for this bunch of lads.

"We had a stutter after Christmas and we are starting to come back to form, so hopefully we can finish the season on a high."