Southend United boss Chris Powell: We have everything to gain against Portsmouth

Blues face the high-flying Hampshire outfit in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Roots Hall this weekend.

And Powell is keen to see a reaction from his side following a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night.

“We go into the game with everything to gain I feel,” said Powell.

“Portsmouth are a much fancied side but they haven’t got the results they would’ve liked recently and in front of the Sky cameras anything can happen.”

Portsmouth are currently third in the League One standings but have triumphed in just one of their last eight outings.

Despite that, Kenny Jackett’s side are just one place and three points below the automatic promotion places.

But Powell is only concerned with making sure Blues get back to their best after their own inconsistent run of form.

“We have to worry about ourselves,” said Powell, who will again be without 12 players this weekend.

“We know how tough it’s been but we have to do what we can to change the story.

“We know when we’ve played the stronger sides it’s been hard for us.

“It’s been made harder by the lack of options but the players are good enough and have to believe they’re good enough too.

“They won’t need much motivation for a game against Portsmouth at home.

“But we have to make sure we’re in the game and we’ll have to go for it.

“We have to show we can be competitive.

“We have to make it difficult, show good discipline and show we aren’t easy to play against.”

We have to be switched on but be on the front foot too.”

The Shrimpers head into the clash sitting 14th in the standings, with just one win in their last seven games.

As a result, Powell’s side sit just six points above the relegation zone.

The Blues boss is expected to hand centre-back Michael Turner a recall in place of the injured John White this weekend while winger Michael Kightly is also pushing for a start after being on the bench at Doncaster.

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 12.30pm.