Peterborough begin their quest for a second consecutive promotion with a tough test at Roots Hall.
New signings set for Shrimpers debuts
Peterborough begin their quest for a second consecutive promotion with a tough test at Roots Hall.
Southend manager Steve Tilson is likely to field a new-look side including summer signings Kevin Betsy, Dan Harding, Steve Mildenhall, Paul Furlong, Osei Sankofa and Ian Joyce.
Tilson has plenty of selection dilemmas to ponder and is also boosted by the likelihood of winger Damian Scannell and striker Walker recovering from groin and thigh problems respectively.
It remains to be seen whether Nicky Bailey will be involved after Crystal Palace had a bid rejected for the transfer-listed midfielder on Thursday while striker Lee Barnard is expected to lead the line in attack.
One man who definitely misses out is midfielder Alan McCormack, who is expected to be out of action for another seven weeks with a cartilage injury.
Peterborough news
Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson will hand a debut to right-back Russell Martin.
Martin arrived at London Road from Wycombe in the summer along with Sergio Torres and, despite scoring an own goal in the friendly defeat to Manchester United on Monday, will start at Southend.
Torres will have to make do with a place on the bench, however, as he continues his return from an ankle operation.
Scott Rendell is fighting with Craig Mackail-Smith for the right to partner Aaron Mclean in attack while left-back Jamie Day is not fit after missing most of pre-season training.
Day's absence means Tom Williams or Shane Blackett will start at full-back, with Blackett's impressive display against Sir Alex Ferguson's men pushing him into pole position.
New signings Shane Batt and Paul Coutts will also be in the squad while central defender Craig Morgan will captain the side.
