SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell will demand his players give all they have got in a bid to shock League One leaders Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The table-topping Latics head to Roots Hall having not been beaten since October.

But Powell believes Blues are capable of causing Paul Cook side’s problems.

“We have some good players and I think sometimes people might underestimate exactly what we have here,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“Wigan are obviously a very good side with good experience and knowledge, but if our players are on their game can certainly give Wigan problems.

“They’re the league leaders and people will see them as favourites but we’re going to go out there and absolutely give it all we’ve got because I won’t settle for anything less.

“The players have given me everything in training, which is great to see, but we have to keep it going.”

Powell has won both of his games since taking control at Blues.

But the 48-year-old knows it will be tough to make it three victories in a row “It will be a tough proposition playing the league leaders,” said Powell.

“But we will play from a good shape, which is something we work on relentlessly.

“I show them what we want and so do the coaches so we will be ready. But it’s about making sure we compete from the first whistle right until the very end and that’s what we will be planning to do.

“They’re beatable and it’s at our place too. They will have to deal with our pitch and they’re also facing a team in a good place so we have to make it hard for them.”

The Shrimpers saw off Scunthorpe United 3-2 in Powell’s first game in charge before securing a 1-0 win at Peterborough United. And the new Blues boss is keen to extend his good start.

“They’ve shown me what they can do and we don’t want the good work to go to waste,” said Powell.

“Will I be looking for three points? Absolutely.”

Blues will again be without Josh Wright (hamstring) and Anthony Wordsworth (calf) tomorrow, while Sam Mantom is not yet ready to figure.