By Ashley Colbourn
Southend United play host to Bury at Roots Hall in the upcoming fixture, hoping to end a run of three games without a win.
The Essex-based club are currently 14th in the League One table, but haven’t registered a league victory since their 2-1 triumph over Blackpool at the end of September.
Marc-Antione Fortune’s first goal of the season was cancelled out by Jack Marriott as United limped to a point last time out against Peterborough.
Shrimpers manager Phil Brown will be able to call upon former England U21 defender and club captain Anton Ferdinand following a two match suspension, whilst midfielder Michael Kightly has recovered from a hamstring problem.
Brown spoke to the club website with a motivational message for his players: “Now is the time for us to bring our best game forward both defensively and with the ball and try and get that next win and keep that run at Roots Hall going.
5⃣
Ahead of tomorrow's game, here are five talking points for when #Blues face Bury at Roots Hall 🔵 ⚽️
👉 https://t.co/1qEQbUy8AB pic.twitter.com/gwE29YaptZ
— Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) October 20, 2017
As for Bury, the Shakers have had a disappointing start to the campaign having been tipped by many as promotion contenders.
They currently occupy 21st place in the table with 12 points, having registered only three wins from their 14 games.
Bury boss Lee Clark has summer signing Jay O’Shea available, having come off the bench in their last two outings. Leo Fasan is likely to keep his place in goal ahead of the returning Joe Murphy.
Clark informed buryfc.co.uk of the threat the Shrimpers pose his side: “Southend will be extremely tough. Phil Brown always has his teams well drilled, they’re hard-working and have some quality players. We have to be ready for that and show some courage.”