**Southend are the form kings here**, while Tamworth's looking for a spark after three losses in five. This is a winnable home game for the Roots Hall faithful. ⚽

Southend have picked up 2W-2D from their last four, grinding results even in draws. Tamworth, by contrast, have just one win in five and got hammered 1-3 by Harrogate last time out. The head-to-head slightly favors the hosts too.

Key storylines:

- **Southend's midfield balance** between D. Cox and O. Coker will be crucial to controlling tempo against a Tamworth side that likes to press
- **T. Bramble and the Tamworth backline** need a clean sheet to build confidence; they've shipped five goals in their last three matches
- **S. Kamara's movement** up front could exploit space if Tamworth's wide press gets pulled out of position

Expected lineups:

- **Southend United**: J. Duncan, B. Goodliffe, K. Mcadam, V. Daley Campbell, D. Cox, O. Coker, D. Oldaker, H. Cardwell, L. Twamley, S. Kamara, P. Omochere
- **Tamworth**: J. Singh, J. Cullinane-Liburd, L. Fairlamb, J. Rye, T. Lyttle, T. Bramble, T. Kurtaran, M. Roberts, T. McGlinchey, K. Donnelly, D. Creaney

Prediction:

**Southend United 2-1 Tamworth**

Hosts edge it on form and home advantage, though Tamworth will scrap for a goal.