Blues run the risk of becoming cut adrift

Southend United v AFC Wimbledon – Roots Hall Stadium – Sky Bet League One – Saturday 3pm

Southend United v AFC Wimbledon – Preview:

STRUGGLING SOUTHEND UNITED face fellow Sky Bet League One strugglers, AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall Stadium in the knowledge that a tenth defeat of the season could leave them cut adrift, even at this early stage of the season.

The Blues currently occupy 22nd place in the table with only Bolton – still on minus points – beneath them.  But with Wimbledon arriving in south-east Essex one place and two points better off, Southend faces the prospect of playing catch-up in a campaign in which they have already passed up fifteen points against sides in the bottom half of the table.

Speaking to www.southend united.co.uk ahead of the game, caretaker-manager, Gary Waddock, said: “It’s an important game. There’s three points at stake against a club that are close to us so it’s an important fixture.

“The players need to show character, attitude, desire, determination, all those words need to be shown on Saturday to get any type of result.

“We need to make sure we come to the game focussed and ready to go.”

Southend will be without injured trio Sam Mantom, Charlie Kelman and Sam Barrett, while Emile Acquah misses out after he was dismissed a weeks ago at Gillingham.

Nathan Ralph is available after serving a one-match ban following his sending-off against Accrington Stanley. Brandon Goodship is close to full fitness, but it is likely a decision will be made on the frontman’s inclusion late in the week. 

AFC Wimbledon edged out Rochdale by the odd goal in five last time out. The South Londoners will be boosted by the inclusion of Finnish striker, Marcus Forss, who chose to remain with the club as opposed to going away on under 21 international duty with his country.

Southend United v AFC Wimbledon – Head to head:

Southend United won: 8

Drawn: 1

AFC Wimbledon won: 7

Southend United v AFC Wimbledon – Last five meetings (all competitions):

March 25, 2017 – League One

AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Southend United

September 26, 2017 – League One

Southend United 1-0 AFC Wimbledon

January 1, 2018 – League One

AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Southend United

November 24, 2018 – League One

AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Southend United

March 16, 2019 – League One

Southend United 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

Jeevesie’s prediction: Southend United 1-3 AFC Wimbledon