Accrington vs Southend preview
Friday 22 February 2019 12:25, UK
Accrington will be without defender Ross Sykes for the Sky Bet League One clash with Southend.
Centre-back Sykes has been ruled out for three to four weeks due to a slight groin tear. Stanley will have midfielder Sam Finley back in contention after he completed a five-match suspension for violent conduct.
Manager John Coleman could stick with the team which ended a five-game winless run in the league by beating Oxford in midweek, with defender Liam Gibson and forward Luke Armstrong among those pushing for starts should he opt for changes.
Southend manager Chris Powell will be missing a host of first-team players at the Wham Stadium, with Stephen Humphrys and Michael Kightly the latest to suffer knocks. Striker Humphrys suffered a dead leg against Portsmouth last weekend and will be assessed while winger Kightly was withdrawn from that match with a groin problem and is a major doubt.
Defenders Jason Demetriou (knee) and John White (groin), goalkeeper Mark Oxley (back) and midfielder Dru Yearwood (suspension) remain out. Harry Bunn and Luke Hyam have returned to training but will not be rushed, while Powell does not think centre-backs Rob Kiernan and Harry Lennon are ready for senior action following their respective injuries.
Opta stats
Accrington have only kept one clean sheet in their 11 league contests against Southend - a 1-0 win at Roots Hall in August 2012.
Southend are unbeaten in their last four trips to Accrington since losing on their first visit in April 2011 (W2 D2).
Accrington have scored six goals in their last two League One matches - as many as they managed in their previous 12 games combined.
Southend United striker Simon Cox has scored 13 League One goals this season - six more than any other Shrimpers player.
Only Walsall (0) have taken fewer points across their last five League One matches than Southend (2).
