Southend v Chesterfield preview

Team news ahead of Friday night's League Two clash between Southend and Chesterfield at Roots Hall.

Mark Phillips could make his return from injury for Southend. The defender has missed the Shrimpers' last four matches due to a knee problem but has declared himself fit enough to be involved at Roots Hall. The 30-year-old's availability means boss Paul Sturrock is only missing Neil Harris, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Goalkeeper Paul Smith came through last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bradford unscathed on his return from a back injury and will keep his place in goal. Britt Assombalonga extended his loan spell until the end of the season during the week. The striker, who has netted 12 goals in 26 appearances, will continue his partnership with Gavin Tomlin in attack. Southend are unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions but sit just two points ahead of the Spireites in the League Two table. Chesterfield will be without leading scorer Jack Lester. Lester received a straight red card in injury time at the end of the Spireites' 1-1 home draw against Burton last weekend and the eight-goal striker will begin a three-match suspension in Essex. Fellow veteran forward Luis Boa Morte is manager Paul Cook's only other concern ahead of the game on Friday night. Boa Morte missed the Burton match due to a hamstring problem and the former Portugal international remains a doubt. Chesterfield will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six league games knowing victory would temporarily move them up to sixth in the table above Southend, who are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions.