Sturrock: 'I have a few decisions to make and one of those is over Bilel Mohsni'
Blues boss Paul Sturrock has made it quite clear that the team he puts out against Burton Albion this afternoon will have to do the business after the second half disaster that was Crawley Town or expect more than hair dryers thrown around the dressing room, he might send centre-back Bilel Mohsni in, or wouldn't have eaten all day!
That is if he picks him, and that will depend a lot on the late fitness test on Mark Phillips.
Sturrock told www.echo-news.co.uk: "I want to see the right kind of reaction against Burton and we will need it because they’re a good team. Last season we got one point out of six against them and we want to put that record straight. I have a few decisions to make and one of those is over Bilel Mohsni. He conceded a penalty after coming on the other night and I need to weigh up the pros and cons about him playing in the team I also remain in discussions with Alassane N’Diaye but there can be no question about the spirit we have here."
So where will the Shrimpers finish this season now? VOTE HERE: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Peschisolido: 'They have purchased well during the summer'
Brewers boss Paul Peschisolido believes his unbeaten side will face another tough test against Luggy's lads at Roots Hall after three successive draws in the league against three of the fancied teams Torquay United, Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale.
Peschisolido told www.burtonmail.co.uk: “We seem to be playing the promotion contenders one after the other. Southend didn’t challenge last season because they were in a bit of a state after relegation, but (manager) Paul Sturrock is turning things round. They’re a club with big potential at this level and I’ll be surprised if they don’t emerge as play-off contenders. I think we saw how they had improved towards the end of last season and they have purchased well during the summer. I think Paul has himself a very strong side and it will be another test of the progress we’ve made since last season.”
The longterm injuries to central defenders Tom Parkes and Nathan Stanton is a massive setback, however Mr. Karen Brady believes Burton have a pair in strikers in S24 player-to-watch Calvin Zola and Justin Richards to cause any defence problems.
Peschisolido said: “We’ve made enough chances in three games to win six games — and that’s really encouraging. The front two are a 100 per cent improvement on what we had last season. All the managers we’ve played so far have said what a handful Justin and Calvin are, which is really pleasing so early into their partnership. On top of that, Cleveland Taylor and Chris Palmer have also caused problems. Unfortunately, Cleveland is carrying a knock at the minute but we’ve already seen how he can open things up and make things happen and Chris has great delivery from set pieces.”
In fact, the state of his central defence might have seen a new signing or two on the coach down from Staffordshire, but that looks not to be the case now for this game at least.
Pesch explained: "A few days ago I had five centre-halves and I was thinking how strong we looked in that department. Now we're down to three and two of those aren't what you would call regulars.I've really got to pull out all the stops to see if I can get someone in as soon as possible because one more injury or suspension and we'll be in trouble. We need cover in the short-term but, looking at the injuries to Stanton and Parkes, I think I've also got to look at a permanent signing."