Manager Chris Wilder will doubtless be keen for his side to register a first win in five matches but will also make the maximum amount of changes possible for the game after calling the fixture schedule at the start of the season 'ridiculous'.
Wilder's eyes will surely be more on Saturday's League Two game at home to a Dagenham & Redbridge side without a victory to date this season and one that offers Northampton a solid chance to register their third win of the campaign.
But the Colchester game is there to be won with the League One side having drawn three and lost two of their league matches to date and also been knocked out of the League Cup.
They will, however, have been buoyed by a comeback from two goals down against Scunthorpe United on Saturday which earned a valuable point.