From Donald Trump to Phil Brown, it’s an orangey weekend. Yep, Bolton travel down to Essex to play Browny’s Saaarfend. After last week’s surprise defeat to Swindon, there’s now a bit of a gap to second, but with a game in hand on the top two.
We were also knocked out of the Cup on Tuesday so hopefully that means no more distractions. Southend are a much better side than they were at the start of the season when they somehow came away with a point from the Macron.
Back then they were in the lower echelons of the table, but now they’re mounting a playoff push.
It could be a tough afternoon.
Vital Quotes:
“Southend are a team who`ll turn the back four around, get on top of us, and we`ll have to be ready. We will make sure the team we pick is right.”
Phil Parkinson, prior to picking the same XI again. Not a criticism, I hasten to add.
Southend United Team News:
Frank Nouble signed from Gillingham the other day and could be available, Jermaine McGlashan, Stephen McLaughlin, Marx Oxley and Ryan Inniss or all missing
Player to watch: Franck Nouble
Signed this week and is fit and ready to go. Has had a difficult spell at his previous club, only scoring one goal in 12 games, so it would be typical if he does make an instant impact tomorrow
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
There are seemingly no new injury worries, apart from the news midweek that Darren Pratley now won’t feature for the rest of the season.
Player to watch: Gary Madine
We’re starting to talk about strikers quite a bit, I will maintain that Madine has had a good season, he does the all-round stuff okay, but we do need goals. Our away goals record is mid0-table at best and all our players, but our strikers especially, need to chip in.
Match Facts & Stats
Southend are the form team of the two. Bolton have won two of their last six in all competitions, while the Shrimpers have won three.
This is our first trip to Southend since 1996, when Nathan Blake and John McGinlay scored in a 5-2 loss.
Match Prediction:
Regrettably, 1-0 to Southend
Next Fixtures:
Charlton at home next Saturday then a trip to MK Dons the week after