Southend v Stoke

[bluearmy]

Southend (20) v Stoke (21)
Southend are without summer signing Michael Ricketts (Achilles) and
centre-half Efe Sodje (broken leg). Boss Steve Tilson could field a new-look
defence with Steven Hammell and Simon Francis in line for debuts and Peter
Clarke pushing for a place following his capture from Blackpool on Thursday.
Darryl Flahavan has recovered from a bruised finger so new goalkeeper Steve
Collis is likely to find himself on the bench.
New signing Danny Higginbotham will go straight into the Stoke team because
left-back Marlon Broomes has an Achilles injury. Vincent Pericard`s chances of
starting in attack are boosted by the continual absence without leave of Sammy
Bangoura, who has still not contacted the club since May. Full-back Andy
Wilkinson (knee) is out and the match comes too soon for midfielder John
Eustace, recovering from long-term injury.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Southend L D L D W; Stoke W L L L W
Match odds: H 6-5 A 15-8 D 21-10
Referee: M Russell (Hertfordshire).

 

[sufcintheprem]

Still can't believe how much our odds have fallen. Don't know whether it was the bookies expecting Bangoura back or the signing of Clarke but they seem to have almost halved!