COLCHESTER United could face a backlash on Saturday, as they prepare for one of their most daunting trips of the season to the once mighty Leeds United.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United could face a backlash on Saturday, as they prepare for one of their most daunting trips of the season to the once mighty Leeds United.

And if Leeds get their way, then there is a chance that the U's could be up against Tresor Kandol, the cousin of former U's star Lomana Lua Lua, for the third time this season.

However, Millwall are set to resist any attempt by Leeds to cut short the player's current loan deal at the New Den. They are under no obligation to return him to Elland Road.

Out-of-sorts Leeds resemble a wounded animal at the moment, so they are a club at their most dangerous. Their pride was hurt by a humbling FA Cup exit at non-league Histon 10 days ago, and they drifted further out of the League One play-off zone after suffering another away defeat at Tranmere (2-1) last Saturday.

Now Leeds boss Gary McAllister is considering recalling some of his loan players, due to a series of poor results and some injury problems, ahead of this weekend's home clash with Colchester.

And Kandol is on top of his list. The 27-year-old has been on loan at Millwall since the start of the season, and has played a key role in the Lions' push for automatic promotion.

Kandol has netted eight goals in 15 appearances to leave the Londoners second in the table. The Congalese front-runner, who once had an unsuccessful trial at Colchester, scored twice in the first 18 minutes to pave the way for a 3-2 home win over Bristol Rovers last Saturday.

The Yorkshire club will be without red-hot striker and leading scorer Jermaine Beckford for a month due to a hamstring injury. Beckford has rattled up 19 league and cup goals this term, so he will be seriously missed.

Kandol would be the obvious man to replace him, although his loan deal with Millwall does not expire until January 28.

McAllister revealed: “Tresor Kandol's loan ends in January, so the way the results are, it may be time to pull everybody back to Elland Road - it's all hands to the pump.”

However, under the terms of Kandol's half-season loan, Millwall do not have to return the player unless Leeds agree to sell him during the January transfer window.

Kandol has already played against the U's twice this season, for Millwall, in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the league.

McAllister might also consider recalling midfielder Bradley Johnson from his loan stint at Brighton, especially as Andy Robinson is sidelined with injury.

The U's have problems of their own, although most of them lie at the Community Stadium. Away from home, they have the best record in the lower half of the table.