Preview: Aldershot Town vs. Southend United - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the visitors are also seeking to get back to winning ways, after their 11-game unbeaten run in the league came to an end last time out against Gateshead.

Match preview

Aldershot are in a position where they need to be picking up points, as they currently sit in 18th place in the National League, three points clear of the relegation zone.

They were beaten comfortably by league leaders Wrexham last time out, courtesy of goals from Paul Mullin and James Jones.

That result means that the Shots have lost their last three outings in the league, after enjoying three consecutive victories against York City, Yeovil Town and Dorking Wanderers.

There have been defensive concerns for Aldershot Town as of late, as they have let in 10 goals during those recent losses, which is not ideal preparation for facing a Southend side that have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven matches.

Southend, meanwhile, will enter the contest fresh off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Gateshead in the National League.

Kamil Conteh put Gateshead ahead in the 52nd minute when his low strike from distance found the bottom corner, before Adam Campbell made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute by chipping goalkeeper Collin Andeng. Conor Carty made it a debut to remember by adding a third goal four minutes later.

Dan Mooney pulled one back for the Blues, but it was nothing more than a consolation as the Heed ended the Shrimpers' 11-game unbeaten league run to move up to 22nd in the table, while Southend stayed fifth.

The Essex outfit are currently four points ahead of eighth-placed Bromley, and despite last weekend's defeat to Gateshead, Kevin Maher's side boasts the best defensive record in the division, having conceded 16 times in 20 matches.

The Blues are already 13 points behind leaders Wrexham, so it is going to be tough for them to obtain automatic promotion this term, but Southend have demonstrated in recent weeks that they should be strong enough to secure a playoff place this season.

Aldershot Town National League form:

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Southend United National League form:

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Team News

Luca Ashby-Hammond returned for Aldershot against Wrexham following a spell on the sidelines due to illness, so he could retain his place between the sticks.

At the other end, Inih Effiong will look to get on the scoresheet once again for the hosts, after finding the back of the net in back-to-back games before the defeat to Wrexham.

As for the visitors, Noor Husin took a slight knock before their game against Dorking Wanderers, and he was not deemed fit enough to be involved against Gateshead, but he could return to proceedings here.

Harry Cardwell, Aaron Cosgrave and Nathan Ralph recovered from their respective injuries to make the substitutes bench last weekend, so they look likely to be involved against the Shots.

Aldershot Town possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; Cordner, Phillips, Vincent, Harfield; Davies, Partington, Glover, Willard; Amaluzor, Effiong

Southend United possible starting lineup:

Andeng; Scott-Morriss, Hobson, Lopata, Taylor; Ralph, Bridge, Miley, Fonguck; Wreh, Mooney

We say: Aldershot Town 0-2 Southend United

Southend will be eager to get back on track after their disappointing defeat against Gateshead, and we think this is the perfect opportunity for them to do so.

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