Southend v Wimbledon preview

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Southend manager Phil Brown could recall Barry Corr and hand Jacob Murphy his full debut when AFC Wimbledon visit Roots Hall.

The pair helped turn last weekend’s game against Cheltenham on its head minutes after coming on as substitutes and may be rewarded with starting berths on Saturday.

Defender Adam Thompson is fit again after his calf problem but he may have to be content with a place on the bench.

The victory over the Robins was Southend’s third in a row and strengthened their position in the play-off places.

Andy Frampton returns to the AFC Wimbledon squad for the trip to Southend.

The defender has missed the last two matches with a calf injury but is now fit again.

However, winger Kevin Sainte-Luce will be assessed before kick-off after picking up a knee injury and captain Alan Bennett is also struggling to shake off a knock.

Midfielder Sammy Moore completes a two-match ban and striker Charlie Wyke has gone back to Middlesbrough after his three-month loan spell came to an end following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers.

Southend v Wimbledon preview

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Shrimpers boss Paul Sturrock will be back in the dugout for the visit of the relegation-threatened Dons.

Sturrock was unable to attend Saturday’s impressive 2-1 victory at Port Vale due to a leg infection but he was back at the club’s training ground on Monday and will retake the reins from assistant Graham Coughlan at Roots Hall.

“I listened to the game on Saturday and it sounded as though the work-rate from the whole team was excellent,” the Scot told the club’s official website.

“I had to do a couple of laps of the garden when it was 2-1, it’s always worse when you’re not at the game. I’m still not 100 per cent but I can’t wait to be back in the dugout on Tuesday night.”

Coughlan was forced to make one change at the weekend as Mickey Spillane came into midfield for the injured Danny Mayor, who will be assessed, and Sturrock will be hard pushed to make any changes following the impressive three points.

Midfielder Marc Laird (hamstring) is back in training while Gavin Tomlin (thigh) could join him towards the end of this week, although the midweek game comes too soon for both. Defenders Mark Phillips (broken toe) and Chris Barker (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Brennan Dickenson is an injury doubt for the hosts.

The on-loan Brighton winger scored the Dons’ second goal in their 3-2 win over York on Saturday but was forced off just after the hour mark with a hamstring strain and was replaced by Kevin Sainte-Luce.

Left-back Chris Hussey could return after missing out at the weekend through illness, although Jonathan Meades impressed in his place having recovered from an ankle knock.

Curtis Osano is pushing for a return to the squad after a spell out with a calf injury but fellow defenders Jim Fenlon (back) and Will Antwi (hip) are still on the sidelines along with midfielder Peter Sweeney, who has a foot injury.

Southend v Wimbledon preview

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Southend boss Paul Sturrock is expected to make very few changes.

The Shrimpers beat Wycombe 1-0 in the league on Saturday and Sturrock wants to stick to his winning formula in the cup competition, having reached the Southern Section semi-finals last season.

One change that is likely is the inclusion of goalkeeper Paul Smith who looks set to make his debut after moving from Nottingham Forest last month.

The Blues will give a late fitness test to winger Kevan Hurst who suffered concussion at the weekend, resulting in the temporary loss of vision in one eye.

Sturrock will monitor the fitness of Dave Martin (ankle) and Freddy Eastwood (calf) who are both doubts.

Dale Bennett is expected to be fit for AFC Wimbledon.

The on-loan Watford defender took a whack to the knee on his debut against Dagenham on Saturday but managed to complete the full 90 minutes.

Fellow deadline-day signing George Francomb, on loan from Norwich, also made his debut in the 2-2 draw and will keep his place in a new-look defence.

Skipper Mat Mitchel-King is on compassionate leave and fellow defenders Curtis Osano (ankle) and Callum McNaughton (cruciate) are still sidelined while Curtis Haynes-Brown remains doubtful after suffering concussion against Bradford last week.

Midfielder Rashid Yussuff and striker Jason Prior are also still in the treatment room.