SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell expects Blackpool to be ‘tricky’ and ‘awkward’ opponents at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Seasiders sit ninth in the League One standings following a solid start to the season.

And Powell knows they will be tough to beat this weekend.

“Blackpool are a tricky side,” said the Blues boss.

“I watched them myself at Arsenal a few weeks back and we had them watched against Gillingham too when Damian Matthew went along.

“They’ve played in different ways and will pose a real threat.

“They’ve also kept things tight away from home so we know this will be another test.

“But we need to start winning a few more games at home and hopefully that can start against Blackpool.”

Blues, who are 13th in the table, have triumphed in just three of their eight League One matches at Roots Hall so far this season.

And Powell is keen to improve that record by building on the midweek win against Southampton’s under 21 team in the Checkatrade Trophy.

“A win of any kind is always good and we want to take momentum from that,” said Powell.

“We were able to rest a few of the senior players for the Southampton game so hopefully they will be fresh and it’s a big game for us.”

Mark Oxley, Jason Demetriou, Simon Cox and Timothee Dieng were all on the bench against Southampton while Sam Mantom and Michael Turner were left out of the squad altogether.

But Powell will continue to utilise his squad when possible.

“All the players know they’re going to get a chance because we have a lot of games coming up.

“Wednesday was a very positive result for but all we’re focusing on now is Blackpool because we want to be higher in the League than we currently are.”

Blues head into the clash with three defeats in their last four League games.

But he knows Blackpool boss Terry McPhillips will have his side well prepared.

“Terry has come in and done really, really well,” said Powell.

“He’s fashioned together a squad that has been very competitive.

“They have some good players and have some tricky, awkward ones too.

“They will be tough so we will have to settle ourselves down early on and do our best against them.

“It’s been up and down for us this season but we will keep on chipping away. We will be ready for Blackpool.”