Colchester United host Southend United in crucial Essex Derby

Southend United take to the pitch on Tuesday night for a big match in their history, as a defeat away at Colchester United would practically see the Shrimpers relegated to the National League.

Whilst already having to make up a six-point gap with an inferior goal difference, a loss in North Essex tomorrow night would see the gap extended to nine points with three matches left to play. This instalment of the Essex Derby is a must-win for Phil Brown’s Southend.

It is very much easier said than done for the Blues, who, despite only losing once in their last eight matches, have only been victorious once in their last 12 outings.

Brown’s side looked much improved last time out at Exeter City, but their inability to score saw them pick up yet another draw, which Colchester seized upon by seeing off Walsall 2-1 in a later kick-off.

The U’s display against the Saddlers showed plenty of spirit. Whilst their opponents put in a very lacklustre performance, Colchester created plenty of chances and, in truth, were unlucky not to have extended their lead. What they lacked in quality they certainly made up for in effort and despite very poor defending for the goal they conceded, they got themselves back into it.

With an evident lack of quality in both sides this season, Tuesday night’s Essex Derby may just come down to who wants it more, and that is certainly the message that Blues boss Brown has got across to his players in the build-up.

A player that will care more than most for the Shrimpers is Ricky Holmes. The 33-year-old is a lifelong supporter of Southend and has delivered some powerful words since he joined the club in February.

He has looked rejuvenated since Brown’s return and put in a great display at St James’ Park on Saturday. Despite coming off with what looked like a recurring back problem, he should be available for selection for this huge fixture.

However, the visitors will be without Timothée Dieng as he recovers from a grade one tear and Tom Clifford will also be missing after pulling up injured in the warm-up in Devon at the weekend. Long-term absentees Harry Lennon, Lewis Gard, Nathan Ralph, Nile Ranger and Jacob Mellis remain out.

Colchester’s treatment table isn’t quite as populated, though star forward Callum Harriott may be out after a spiteful challenge in their last outing by Tyreik Wright. As Harriott began a counter-attack, Wright cynically stamped upon the 27-year-old’s Achilles and forced him off for the rest of the match.

The Guyana international possesses a lot of quality for the U’s and is probably their greatest threat going forward. The Shrimpers backline will certainly be hoping he isn’t involved.

Kwame Poku and Aramide Oteh are also likely to be missing for Hayden Mullins’ side.

In the last Essex Derby, Southend picked up their fourth victory of the season as they raced into a two-goal lead at home to the U’s and managed to see it out. Simeon Akinola scored his first goal for the Shrimpers 10 minutes in as the Colchester defence fell asleep as the hosts executed a crafty set-piece routine. 12 minutes later, Kyle Taylor weaved in and around the Colchester defence before slipping in Dieng to double the Shrimpers lead, and that two-goal advantage never looked in doubt. Blues fans will certainly be hoping for a repeat of that performance.

It’s do or die for Southend, and if they don’t get it right at the JobServe Community Stadium, they will certainly be playing National League football next season. Draws aren’t enough for Brown’s side, by definition, this is a must-win match.