We still await news on who should be available up front, we know Walker will definitely be out, but at least now we should have a full subs bench!
Speaking to the Southend Evening Echo Macca, who has missed the Shrimpers last two matches with a groin strain, insists the encounter at Roots Hall is the first of 19 cup finals for his team.
"I've been training this week and I'm declaring myself fit for what is a massive match on Saturday. All the games we have left are cup finals and we simply have to start pulling our socks up. There is no denying that we're in a relegation fight at the moment and we have to be honest about the situation we find ourselves in."
Southend are now just six points above the drop zone in 17th place with five of the seven teams below the Blues having games in hand .
Macca has endured a frustrating season so far but was showing signs of recapturing his best form before picking up a groin injury in the 3-1 defeat at Stockport County.
"I've only been out for about 10 days so I haven't lost too much fitness. It feels like I've been out for a lot longer because we've had so many matches in a short space of time. I've been working hard with the physio John Stannard and I'm happy with the way I'm feeling. We need to stop being so sloppy, became more professional too and get a win."
The big question for Tilly is what to do with Francis who has looked good at centre half, more than he has done at right back this season, though he did slip back into some bad habits at Leeds.
Sankofa for all his faults does concentrate on defense and should stay, start Clarke on the bench?
No, Tilly needs all the experience he can get out there, which should see Leeds debut boy Stuart O'Keefe leaving the side but he commented on his first full league game to the Echo: "Leeds are the biggest club at this level and they have the best ground too, so for me to make my first start there was just amazing. I didn't know I was in the team until I went into the dressing room and it was just fantastic. I had heard I was going to start if Lee Barnard wasn't fit but I thought he was OK so it all came as a bit of a shock. I was obviously a little bit nervous but mainly just excited."
Francis for right midfield then, not a great success at Milton Keynes but worth trying again in a home fixture against Bristol Rovers, which might see both Macca and Grant sitting on the bench, that depending on who is available up front.
I can't see Tilly going with Betsy, Scannell and Robinson so the news on Barnard is vital or it could be a slightly defensive look to the side unless Tilly finds that forward on loan before the weekend.