COLCHESTER United are hoping to next week have confirmation of their League Two play-off semi-final against Exeter City.

But although the U's big game has not yet been ratified, John McGreal and his players have nevertheless been preparing for what will potentially three of the biggest matches in the club's recent history.

McGreal and his assistant Steve Ball never leave a stone unturned in their thorough preparation for any match - and this two-legged fixture will certainly be no exception.

The U's head coach will be looking at ways in which his side can get the better of their opponents.

Colchester and Exeter could not be separated this season, playing out 2-2 and 0-0 draws in their two meetings.

And with only a few points separating the two sides in the table, it promises to be a very close battle when the two clubs battle it out for a place at Wembley.

But according to football website www.whoscored.com, there are certainly specific areas where the U's might consider themselves superior.

While Exeter have admittedly scored one more goal than Colchester over the 37 games each club has played in League Two, the U's have conceded six fewer times than the Grecians.

And at the other end, Colchester boast one of the best 'shots per game' ratios in League Two this season, averaging 13.1 efforts on goal.

Indeed, only four teams have better records, in that department and the U's have the third-best record with regard to 'shots on target' - only bettered by Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle.

And it is a similar scenario in terms of the U's 'pass success percentage', which is an impressive 71.2 per cent.

It is only bettered by Crewe, Plymouth, Swindon Town and Forest Green Rovers.

But Colchester are out in front in League Two this season in one specific area - dribbles per game (8.3).

The U's can also feel confident with their set pieces, too.

They have the joint-best record in the league with Northampton Town from dead ball situations, with 17 leading to goals.

Exeter are also productive in that area too, having had 15 set-piece situations that have led to goals along with Salford City.

Whatever happens, the two games between Colchester and Exeter promise to be tight contests, especially with a place at Wembley at stake.