Southend United vs Maidenhead United: Prediction, team news, injuries

Reece Smith in action for the Magpies against the Shrimpers in a previous season.

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Southend Echo chief sports reporter Chris Phillips gives the low down on Maidenhead United’s opponents tonight (Tuesday).

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Can you sum up how Southend’s campaign has gone so far?

Chaos. It’s hard to really focus on what’s happening on the pitch right now when there’s so much uncertainty off it. None of us know if the club will exist beyond the next High Court appearance at the start of October and it’s incredibly tough going.

It’s heartbreaking really and right now we don’t even have enough fit players for the match against Maidenhead. The club are waiting to hear back from the league about what’s possible and if the two red cards shown on Saturday will be overturned. Amid of all this the players have been fantastic but obviously sit bottom of the league after the 10 point deduction which was another huge blow.

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What kind of football does the manager like to play?

Southend have started with wing-backs in every game this season and like to try and play an attractive style of play when possible. The team will always give their all and can never be faulted for effort.

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How do you think this game will play out considering the last time these sides met?

One way or another I’ve been watching Southend for 36 years and honestly I’ve never had less idea about how a game will go. Right now I couldn’t even tell you how many players Blues will have let alone how the game will go. It’s almost beyond words to try and emphasise how bad it is here right now. You can guarantee Southend will give their all but the lack of numbers is a huge concern.

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What are the Shrimpers’ strengths and weaknesses?

The strengths are the effort and the attitude the team continue to show during the most challenging time imaginable. The weakness is the lack of numbers. Blues have three subs on Saturday and I can’t see there being that many on Tuesday.

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Who are the ones to watch?

Harry Cardwell has made a good start to the season. He’s scored five goals already so far.

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Score prediction?

It’s really tough to know but I’ll go for 1-1.

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Likely lineup/formation?

Any other game in the past 30 years or so I would be able to do this but I genuinely can’t for tomorrow right now. Blues’ only goalkeeper is injured right now and there is so much up in the air with regards to selection. I don’t think Kevin Maher will even know right now what his team is going to be.