Southend V Rochdale at Roots Hall - Match Preview




Woodrow back for Shrimpers

Cauley Woodrow returns to the fold to ensure Southend boast virtually a fully-fit squad for Friday night's home clash against fellow promotion chasers Rochdale.


The on-loan Fulham striker has completed a three-match suspension following his sending-off at Portsmouth late last month.


Only long-term absentee Julian Bennett is on the sidelines ahead of the Roots Hall encounter as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.


Boss Phil Brown could well make changes after last weekend's disappointing 1-0 defeat at Torquay, with the likes of Mark Phillips, Adam Thompson, Will Atkinson, Ryan Leonard and Freddy Eastwood in contention.


Rochdale midfielder Matty Lund will return to contention for the game following suspension.


Lund sat out last week's home defeat to Fleetwood after reaching five yellow cards and was replaced by Andrew Tutte, so boss Keith Hill must decide whether to make changes.


Hill has no new injury or suspension worries, but is still without striker George Donnelly, who will be sidelined until January due to an ankle injury that has kept him out since the end of October.


Skipper Peter Cavanagh (Achilles) made his first appearance since August as a late substitute last week and is hoping to play a bigger role as Dale chase their first league win in four matches.


Source: PA

Source: PA