Alan McCormack is back from suspension for Southend as two key players return for Carlisle.
McCormack boost for Shrimpers; Carlisle receive double lift
Alan McCormack is back from suspension for Southend as two key players return for Carlisle.
Southend, who are without a victory in 2010, are four points away from safety but will be hoping McCormack's availability after a ban can help them to halt their 11-game winless run in League One.
Anthony Grant will be hoping to retain his place after recovering from an ankle injury in time to play the full 90 minutes of last weekend's goalless draw with Exeter.
But Jean-Francois Christophe remains unavailable for selection as he serves the third instalment of his four-match suspension.
Second-choice goalkeeper Kelvin Jack is doubtful with a slight hamstring problem, while Stuart O'Keefe is unlikely to make the squad despite playing for the reserves in midweek following a hernia operation.
Carlisle news
Carlisle striker Scott Dobie, who has missed the last two matches due to a hip/groin problem, returned to full training on Wednesday.
Midfielder Tom Taiwo is also back after being suspended for the midweek win over Yeovil.
But defender Danny Livesey will miss out as he sustained a hamstring injury on Tuesday.
Manager Greg Abbott faces several selection dilemmas and must decide whether to stick with skipper Paul Thirlwell in midfield and new loan signing Jason Price, who made his debut last week up front.
Fellow striker Ben Marshall is doubtful after sustaining a dead leg against Yeovil and Joe Anyinsah (double hernia), David Raven (hip) and Andy Cook (foot) remain sidelined.
