Southend preview

United take on Southend at the KasStad on Saturday, hoping to repeat last season's 2-0 victory. There is an injury doubt over Dave Savage, but there are hopeful indications that Bobby Ford could be fit enough to make his first start of the season. Ian Atkins is likely to start with the same forward line that performed so impressively at Darlington, but if Savage is unable to play then he may decide to tinker with the midfield, which was the Us' weakest link on Saturday. Being a home fixture may mean that Atkins is more predisposed to either recall Dean Whitehead onto the right flank, with David Oldfield either dropping to the bench or possibly replacing the out-of-sorts Dave Waterman, or possibly even give ROS Chris Hackett an opportunity after he has impressed every time he's played. The defence remains relatively sound and Atkins is unlikely to change it.

Southend, or the Prawns as they are known locally, still have Phil Whelan lumbering about in defence, so Rage Online confidently predicts a 2-0 home win again. The Essex boys are currently third from bottom and if United are to have serious ambitions towards promotion they are a team that should be seen off easily at home. Let's hope we don't blow it.

Former United 'keeper Arjan Van Heusden has joined Scottish club Clyde on a four day trial. Van Heusden has lost his Exeter place to Kevin Miller and so the 29 year old has decided to try out for the Bully Wee, although Swansea had also shown an interest in him.