Ricky Duncan will take charge for the first time of a youthful second team that will still see some experience up front.
After the embarrassment of Crewe; Damian Scannell, Lee Barnard and Francis Laurent will all be out to impress and force their way into the starting line-up against Colchester.
However, the lack of Betsy in the squad may mean he will get the chance to add some much needed width at the weekend.
Anyhow for this afternoon a trio of trialists will also get their chance. One for a second time.
First up is Ipswich Town central midfielder Edward Upson who made a promising debut against Canvey Island last month, grabbing a couple of goals.
Former Charlton Athletic defender Taylor Sinfield, the 18 year-old lives locally in Rochford, is the second.
Finally, another Frenchman, midfielder Minuel Kante. That could make four for the Blues, did we fight the hundred years war for nothing!!!
Anybody in the stadium, the tea lady for sure, will see the much needed return, for Orient that is, of ex-Blue striker Wayne Gray. This will be his first competitive game since suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament last August.
They will also have a trailist on view in the form of striker Wayne Andrews, who has played for the Farmers as well.
Orient are in the midst of many rumours as 'Herne taking the club to Harlow' is being resurrected again! Read more about that here: www.thelittlegazette.com/news/loadgnrl.asp?id=433092&teamno=333
Southend United: Joyce, Kante, Jones, Sinfield, Herd, Forshaw, Upson, O'Keefe, Scannell, Barnard, Laurent.
Subs: Abbey, McDonald, Calver, Harvey, Henry.