The view from the other side: Bradford City

What have you made of Bradford’s season so far?

"To put it simply, we've been superb.

"After the shock departure of Parkinson and almost his entire backroom staff in the summer, the change in ownership at the club, and appointment of McCall for a second stint at the club, it's fair to say going into the season expectations were probably as low as ever in recent times.

"However, credit where it's due, the new owners got it spot on and the brand of football we're playing under McCall this season is light-years ahead of the long-ball, physical approach which won us plenty of enemies under Parkinson.

"We have a much stronger squad than before, with real strength in depth and players who are very keen to nail down a starting position, playing in a team that plays the right way and will not only get results but entertain the fans.

"To go unbeaten in our first 12 games (considering we had away fixtures at Peterborough, MK Dons and Millwall) was quite simply unthinkable at the start of August, and has been a very pleasant surprise to all of our fans.

What are the hopes for Bradford this season?

"As I said, before the season expectations were quite low and fans were naïve about the appointment of McCall after he failed to take us out of League Two and saw his Motherwell team go rapidly downhill.

"However, Stuart is still a club legend and always will be, and he seems to have helped rally the side and players who were previously showing signs of frustration (Mark Marshall, for example.)

"Despite the defeat to Oxford at the weekend, we still remain second and the goal now is surely to kick on throughout the season and secure promotion back to the Championship.

"Play-offs have to be at least the minimum."

Bradford fan - Benjamin Hall

Josh Cullen is from our area. How has he been playing for Bradford?

"There is barely a bad word that can be said about Josh, and he has been truly outstanding in almost every game he has played since joining us from West Ham.

"The fact we managed to get him back this season for a second loan-spell shocked even the most optimistic Bantam, and the difference he makes to our midfield is truly incredible.

"Non-stop hassling off the ball and a real touch of class on it, the only thing left in the Irishman's development is his shooting, which I believe is the only thing which could stop him reaching the highest levels of the game."

What players should Southend be keeping an eye out for on Tuesday?

"Our team has quality all over the field, but aside from the aforementioned Cullen- the real danger man would probably be Mark Marshall.

"The winger had a slow start to life at Valley Parade, getting plenty of stick from the fans last year for perhaps not putting in as much effort as expected and not showing the true extent of his talent which made him so popular at Port Vale.

"However, since McCall's arrival he has been a completely different player, and after admitting it was the new manager that persuaded him to stay at the club over the Summer and start afresh, Marshall has been outstanding.

"Finally we're seeing his true ability, beating defenders with ease, putting in quality crosses and scoring a truly superb goal against Coventry earlier in the campaign.

"Other mentions go to centre-mid turned centre-half Romain Vincelot who despite having a reputation as a skilful ball playing midfielder has been superb as a stand-in defender for injured Rory McArdle."

What’s the team news ahead of the game?

"James Hanson is set to return after a lengthy absence, with McCall publically criticising strikers Hiwula and Clarke after their performances on Saturday at Oxford.

"Haris Vuckic (on loan from Newcastle) may also start, but if not expect to perhaps see Mark McNulty (on loan from Sheffield United), although he's failed to impress with his cameos off the sub bench.

"The ever-reliable James Meredith is also a doubt after having to come off early in the second half at Oxford with a shin injury, meaning veteran Matt Kilgallon (who played exceptionally well off the bench last Saturday) would act as cover."

What’s the predicted line up?

"Injurires permitting: Doyle, Darby, Knight-Percival, Vincelot, Kilgallon/Meredith Marshall, Cullen, Dieng, Law Hanson, Clarke