Bilel Mohsni: Will try and get his fourth goal in four games from the back
The odds are that for Tuesday evening's game between Shrimpers and U's Graham Coughlin will not start after sustaining a hamstring problem in the 2-0 victory at Barnet.
This will allow the side that finished the game at Underhill to start tonight in a vital game for both teams with the play-offs being mighty close if the boys in Blue can gain three points leading up to another Roots Hall clash against high-riding Shrewsbury Town at the weekend.
This means 12-goal top scorer Barry Corr will return to the attack allowing the not-Blackpool bound Bilel Mohsni to stay at centre-half.
In goal Blues boss Paul Sturrock may have to choose between an expected to be fit after flu Glenn Morris and the man who has held the goalkeeping position for the last couple of games, letting in one goal, Rhys Evans.
A toughie, but we would go with the consistant Glenn but wouldn't be surprised if Luggy sticks with Rhys whatever the fitness of the former Orient shot stopper.
A positive result for the Shrimpers would continue their unbeaten run to five games since losing at home to Chesterfield on the 8th of January, three and a half weeks ago.
Possible Southend United: Morris, Clohessy, Barker, Mohsni, Gilbert, Ferdinand, Easton, Grant, Hall, Sturrock, Corr.
Subs: Evans, Herd, Phillips, Comminges, Sawyer, Soares, Paterson.
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!
As for the U's.........
Decent away side at the moment that up to the recent Derby away defeat to the Cobblers, (report below), had won three in a row on the road, still, doesn't beat our four!
The U's have signed Colchester United winger Simon Hackney on loan until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has struggled with injury this season and has played just a couple of games.
Head farmer John Ward said: "This is a good move for Simon. He needs to go out and play somewhere and I am pleased for him that Oxford have come in and offered him this opportunity."
Other than that U's boss Chris Wilderwill not be able to select wideboy Jennison Myrie-Williams who has had his international clearance refused because he has already been under contract with two professional clubs this campaign and therefore will not be able to join the club until next time around, oh dear!
Striker Alfie Potter has recently returned from a shoulder problem and after a couple of substitute appearances may make a srat while fellow frontman Matt Green has joined League Two rivals Cheltenham on loan for the rest of the season.
Keeper Ryan Clarke also made the Football League Team of the Week after their draw with Cheltenham, (report below), saving a spot-kick probably helping his cause!
Former loanee Jack Midson has been warming the subs bench recently coming on for two of the last three games, but not making much impact, the last time it was the 92nd minute!
Ex-winger Mitchell Cole has hardly had a match, certainly not a league start!
It's quite an important game4 Crewe Alexandra 26 7 3 3 28 12 4 5 4 25 23 11 8 7 53 35 41 +18 5 Bury 25 4 5 3 16 13 7 2 4 25 15 11 7 7 41 28 40 +13 6 Port Vale 26 6 3 2 12 7 5 4 6 17 16 11 7 8 29 23 40 +6 7 Gillingham 27 7 3 4 15 12 4 4 5 23 22 11 7 9 38 34 40 +4 8 Shrewsbury Town 27 6 5 2 20 11 4 4 6 18 18 10 9 8 38 29 39 +9 9 Oxford United 27 7 2 6 20 16 4 4 4 16 19 11 6 10 36 35 39 +1 10 Cheltenham Town 27 5 3 5 16 15 5 5 4 22 23 10 8 9 38 38 38 0 11 Southend United 26 4 3 5 17 18 6 3 5 18 13 10 6 10 35 31 36 +4
Player to Watch
James Constable
U's top scorer with 12 goals, can cause a lot of damage if left unmarked in the six-yard box.
Read more about him here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Constable
Last Time Out
Away; Northampton Town 2 Oxford United 1 (played on Saturday, January 22nd, 2011.)
Report: www.oufc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10342~53379,00.html
Home; Oxford United 1 Cheltenham Town 1 (played on Saturday, January 29th, 2011.)
Report: www.oufc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10342~53150,00.html
TRAVEL UPDATE:
Just a reminder for both sets of fans planning to drive to this evening's game the news from the official site that road closures will be in operation after the match.
Victoria Avenue will be closed from 22.30 between Fairfax Drive and Cuckoo Corner.
A diversion will be in place due to road works taking place around the Cuckoo Corner area.
For the full S24 Preview, go here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/roll/ed61/
southend_united_v_oxford_united_627708/index.shtml