Jim Magilton is relishing tonight's derby showdown with Colchester and reckons the supporters will be in for a treat.

The Blues and the Us go head to head at Portman Road, with kick-off at 7.45pm and the Town boss is predicting an attacking game from both teams.

"George has got his side playing an attacking brand of football so it should be a terrific game and it's one that I'm really looking forward to," Jim tells the Club website.

"Tonight's match has all the ingredients of being an exciting 90 minutes. Colchester will be buoyant after their victory over West Brom at the weekend while we will be looking to maintain our home form.

"Being a derby, there is sure to be a great atmosphere and I think the fact that it's a night game adds to the occasion. There is something special about evening matches at Portman Road. That was one of the reasons I used to come and watch the reserves in my days as a player here.

"I'm sure Colchester will fancy their chances of upsetting our run at Portman Road this season and their manager, Geraint Williams, deserves all the credit going for what they have achieved over the past year or so.

"They obviously had a terrific campaign last year, but lost the core of their side in the summer with Chris Iwelumo, Richard Garcia, Wayne Brown and Jamie Cureton all leaving Layer Road.

"George has shown what a top class manager he is in getting them back on track and he and his backroom staff deserve all the plaudits going for that.

"I've known George for many years and while he's a smashing bloke, underneath that nice Welsh manner is a guy who is determined to get results and succeed in this game."

Tommy Miller misses tonight's game with an ankle injury but Colchester also have a key absentee with skipper Karl Duguid also ruled out with an ankle problem.

The game is all-ticket with no cash turnstiles. Colchester have sold their full allocation and it will be the biggest crowd of the season but tickets are still available to Blues fans. Full details on the Club website.