Sturrock set to stick with in-form side
Paul Sturrock could well name an unchanged starting XI for the fifth successive match as Southend aim to overcome Rochdale and record a third victory in a row.
The Shrimpers have racked up away wins at Bristol Rovers, Torquay and AFC Wimbledon as well as a home draw against Port Vale since Sturrock last made changes to his line-up.
Tuesday's 4-0 success at AFC Wimbledon will give him no reason to change things around as the Shrimpers aim to replicate their away form at Roots Hall, where they have won just three of nine league fixtures this season.
Sturrock is not expected to have any fresh injury or suspension concerns to contend with.
Eighth-placed Southend go into the encounter two places and one point behind visiting Rochdale.
Rochdale have no new injury or suspension problems.
Long-term injury absentees Reece Gray and Matt Edwards are the only ones missing for manager John Coleman.
Forward Gray suffered a dislocated ankle, a fractured fibula and a snapped medial ligament during a behind-closed-doors friendly back in August, while goalkeeper Edwards has undergone surgery on a broken wrist.
But Coleman can call on every other member of his squad as Dale look to extend their unbeaten league run to six games.
Forward Bobby Grant returned from suspension last weekend to score the winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers and is set to continue in attack.
Source: PA
