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Ian Selley is still contracted to the First Division outfit, having returned to Roots Hall for what is effectively his third loan spell at Southend until November, following an injury-hit period in 1996 and the highly successful time at the end of last season when he forged a very good centre-midfield partnership with Kevin Maher. Selley was the only player to complete the full ninety minutes against Chelmsford City on Thursday, but should still play a part in proceedings today.
Blues only have one injury doubt - Stephen Broad turned awkwardly on his ankle in training on Friday and is struggling to overcome the knock. After coming through the first half with no trouble at New Lodge on Thursday it is unlikely that any risks will be taken with the new season just a week away.
Tesfaye Bramble may have overcome flu in time for today's match, where he would partner new signing Graeme Jones for the first time since the bulky striker moved from St. Johnstone on Monday. One player who will definitely be missing is Jeff Minton, the former Orient and Colchester midfielder having been told he was surplus to requirements having missed the Chelmsford friendly.
Wimbledon have had problems recently, not least the seemingly imminent move to Milton Keynes which has led to the formation of a new club, AFC Wimbledon, who have taken the majority of the Nationwide league teams support. However, as players have come and go, a close to full squad is expected as both sides fine tune their starting eleven's for the beginning of the league campaign.
In league encounters Southend hold the edge, winning six of the ten meetings between the clubs, although they haven't met for eighteen years. The last game ended with a 3-2 victory to the Londoners in the old Third Division, following a 1-1 draw at Roots Hall. The two sides will meet again this season on the 10th September in the Worthington Cup at the Hall. Admission today is free for under 16's, Students and OAP's.
Southend squad: Darryl Flahavan, Danny Gay, Stephen Broad, Dave McSweeney, Mark Beard, Phil Whelan, Leon Cort, Damon Searle, Neil Jenkins, Jay Smith, Steven Clark, Kevin Maher, Ian Selley, John McGrath, Stuart Thurgood, Barrington Belgrave, Tony Richards, Danny Webb, Tesfaye Bramble, Graeme Jones, Mark Rawle.
Robert Craven