SOUTHEND welcome Crewe to Roots Hall in this re-arranged League One clash, the Blues find themselves on some good form at present having disposed of both the Rovers challenge of Bristol and Tranmere.
Vital Quotes:
‘I think we’ve been much harder to break down in the last couple of games and that has certainly helped us to get the wins so we want to carry that on now,’ – Steve Tilson, talking to the official Southend United website.
Tilson goes on to say, ‘No disrespect to the youngsters who had been playing because they did well but with the position we were in I felt we needed more experience.’
‘That led to the change around and since we’ve done that we’ve won both games and are look solid again”.
‘We kept a clean sheet against Bristol Rovers and only conceded a very dubious penalty on Saturday so that’s good news and we want to keep Crewe out this evening.’
Crewe’s Icelandic guv’nor was in defiant mood when speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, We need to step up a gear [against Southend], have a bit more self-belief and a bit more aggression, and if all of that comes together we will see some good results.’
‘We need points and we need to get results.’ – Gudjon Thordarson
Defender Marlon Broomes is targeting at least a draw for Crewe, again speaking to BBC Radio Stoke the former England under 21 player says, ‘We need to be a bit more solid, so that if we don’t score a goal, we at least don’t concede and get a point.’
Blues Team News:
Southend may well start with the same line up that saw off Tranmere with keeper Steve Mildenhall coming through and injury scare.
Thankfully there are no other injuries so our only stars missing are Alex Revell (Ankle) & James Walker (Hamstring)
Player to watch: Steve Mildenhall
Mildenhall seems to have shaken off the early season ‘boo boys’, and is helping Southend to climb back up the table with some good recent performances – was the turning point ‘that‘ save against Chelsea?
The shot stopper will have to be focused against the Alex as they won’t have enjoyed the negative press of recent performances.
Crewe Team News:
No fresh injury worries for Crewe but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few changes.
Either Mark Carrington, Michael O’Conner or Kenny Lunt are likely to replace Julian Baudet at the heart of midfield. Tonights game could also see a return for Colin Daniel who missed the weekend game.
Player to watch: Marlon Broomes
Blackpool’s on loan centre back is keen to stop the shrimpers from adding to there, he has started 3 games in this spell and would be keen to stay to the end of the season if possible.
He has the nickname of Broomes – the sweeper due to his ability to play in that position as well.
Match Facts & Stats
The games against Crewe have been nothing short of goal fests! with Southend United coming out well on top.
Maximum points for the Blues will see us making it 12 points from 12, couldn’t wish for better form going into the tricky Essex derby at the weekend.
Crewe must have belief that they can get out of the tight spot at the bottom of League One, a win for them however would only be the second of the season
Ref Watch:
Ref – G D Scott
Match Prediction:
I can’t look for anything other than a home win, the form looks too strong for both sides.
Southend 2:0 Crewe
Next Fixtures:
The Essex derby away at Colchester – need I say more!!
Crewe return to Gresty Road to face a confident Huddersfield side that recently despatched Leeds 1:0
