SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell will be seeking improvements in attack when the Shrimpers take on table-topping Portsmouth tomorrow.

Portsmouth have been beaten just once in the League so far this season.

And Powell knows 14th-placed Blues must be clinical in front of goal if they are to upset the form book.

“We will have to be brave going to Portsmouth and be better in the final third too,” said the Blues boss.

“That’s an area I want us to improve on because chances will be at a premium against a strong team like that.

“We’ve had a tough week playing Barnsley and Luton but hopefully we can summon the energy to get the result this weekend.”

But, for that to happen, Powell knows Blues must be ready to dig in.

“They’re the league leaders with good players in key areas and we have to be ready for battle,” said Powell.

“Of course it’s a tough place to go and their fans will sing their songs and ring their bells to get right behind their team.

“But these are the games you want to be involved in.”

And Powell feels Blues can also take heart from how they matched Sunderland for large spells of the game back in October.

“We went to Sunderland who are another top team and put them on the back foot,” said Powell.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted in the end but now we have to try and impose ourselves on Portsmouth.

“And we will definitely be prepared going there.”

Blues will head to Hampshire on a high after beating Luton Town on penalties in Wednesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy clash.

And Powell hopes to be further boosted by the return of Simon Cox, Harry Bunn and Timothee Dieng, who all missed out on facing the Hatters.

“They all had slight knocks but hopefully they will be back for the weekend,” said Powell.

“I didn’t want to take any risks with them and Tim is someone who covers 12km a match so I thought he could actually benefit from a break.

“Coxy’s knee is still quite bruised and Harry has a slight groin problem but we hope to have them available for the game at Portsmouth tomorrow.”