Southend United v Barnet - Sunday, December 26th; kick-off 13.00
Defender Bilel Mohsni came off before the end of Southend's excellent 2-0 win over Cheltenham a couple of weeks ago with an ankle problem, and though the injury will not require surgery, he could be out until the new year.
However, the club will give him every chance to play and the Roots Hall faithful will be hoping to see the influential Frenchmen for such an important game.
Loanee Peterborough midfielder Josh Simpson picked up a similar knock against the Robins, also being replaced, and he is a major doubt
The player who really wants the game to be played is left-back Peter Gilbert, who will finally complete a three-match ban if it is, after being sent off against Stevenage way back on November 23rd.
Midfielder Anthony Grant's back is still causing him pain but it would be a real blow if he doesn't start, we saw the difference he makes in the win at Whaddon Road.
Back-up keeper Rhys Evans, defender Chris Barker and midfielder Ryan Hall should have recovered from a sickness bug that affected the Shrimpers squad during the week and all will be expected to be seen at the Hall.
As for Barnet, striker Izale McLeod, is fit after recovering from muscle stiffness and will face the team that turned him down after a pre-season trail.
Winger Glenn Poole (ankle) may start but Mark Byrne (knee), Daniel Leach, Darren Dennehy (both foot) and Danny Kelly (hamstring) will be watching from the stands.
Check out the outlook here for all the holiday games.
http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Southend-on-Sea-UKXX1314
http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Crewe-UKXX0228
http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Oxford-UKXX0106
Keep your eyes on the trains here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw5/
happy_holidays_watching_the_shrimpers_over_christmas__new_year_
574527/index.shtml
Latest on the Barnet situation:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
southend_united_v_barnet__pitch_update_611190/index.shtml
The full S24 Preview will be posted soon