The view from the other side: Oxford United

What have you made of the season so far?

“Half great, half frustrating.

“We have the quality and potential to be right in the play-off mix, so our slow start is a shame.

“We are playing great football with a young squad and have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, so it’s a good time to be a Yellow.”

What have been the main reasons behind the recent good run of results?

“Losing Kemar Roofe and Callum O’Dowda in the summer was a blow and with a host of new players coming in the summer it took time to gel.

“In recent months something has clicked and we are picking up the wins.

“Rob Hall’s recovery from injury seemed to spark the good run, and there is a real feeling at the moment that we’ll beat whatever is in front of us.”

What are the hopes for the rest of the season now?

“Play-offs. There will be no unrest if we don’t get there, but our recent run has given us a chance and, should we continue, I think we will get there.

“Having been promoted last season, there is no shame in consolidation if we do fall short. But this is a talented bunch and promotion is certainly the next target, this season or next.”

Oxford fan - George Elek

Which players do Southend need to keep an eye on tonight?

“There are a few to be fair.

“Chris Maguie will certainly hope your fans know his name by the end of the day.

“Marvin Johnson and Rob Hall are both explosive wingers, Simon Eastwood is having a fine season while Curtis Nelson and Ryan Ledson will play at the top level.”

What’s the team news ahead of the game?

“Kane Hemmings came off the bench to score the winner last weekend so he could come in.

“There are no fresh injury concerns, so Michael Appleton should be able to pick an unchanged side should he desire.”

What’s the predicted line up?

One change maybe with Hemmings coming in so: Eastwood, Nelson, Edwards, Dunkley, Johnson, Lundstram, Sercombe, Maguire, Ledson, Hemmings, Hall

George runs an EFL podcast @NTT20pod