Southend United vs Charlton Athletic. Sky Bet League One.
Roots HallAttendance7,923.
Friday 31 August 2018 12:15, UK
Southend's summer recruits Timothee Dieng and Luke Hyam are both still struggling for full fitness after injuries as the Shrimpers prepare to welcome Charlton to Roots Hall.
Teenager Dru Yearwood is also a doubt having only just returned to light training after a hamstring injury interrupted his pre-season. Fellow midfielder Sam Mantom is hoping to be fit after he strained his back in last week's win at Bristol Rovers but if he fails to recover manager Chris Powell may have to play right-back Jason Demetriou in midfield.
Another option for Powell might be winger Harry Bunn, who arrived from Bury this week on a season-long loan to cover Sam Barratt's long-term knee injury.
Charlton's caretaker boss Lee Bowyer has also had to deal with a busy physio room this season but he is optimistic that two of last season's key men, Tariqe Fosu and Ben Reeves, might be ready for their first action of the campaign, albeit off the bench.
Having seen his side gain a win and two draws in their five league fixtures, Bowyer has been trying to upgrade his squad before the loan window closes on Friday.
The Addicks added one new face on Thursday with the arrival of Josh Cullen on a season-long loan from West Ham. The 22-year-old midfielder, who has been capped by Ireland at U19 and U21 levels, played 12 games for Bolton in the Championship last season and will be hoping to make an immediate impact at his new club.
Southend's only win over Charlton in any competition in their last 10 meetings was their most recent clash at Roots Hall last season (3-1), losing seven of the other nine matches (D2).
Charlton's last league victory away at Southend came in February 2010, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Akpo Sodje and Kyel Reid.
Southend manager Chris Powell hasn't faced former club Charlton since September 2015, when he was manager of Huddersfield Town in the Championship, winning 2-1.
No team from London has won at Roots Hall in a league match since Millwall's 4-0 victory in December 2015; London sides are winless in five visits since, collecting just one point (W0 D1 L4).
Charlton have failed to score in each of their last two league matches - they haven't gone three league games without a goal since February 2016 while in the Championship.
