Southend United vs Carlisle preview - Bentley in fitness race

Goalkeeper Daniel Bentley must prove his fitness to start between Southend's posts against Carlisle.

Bentley, struggling with a groin strain, was unable to take goal-kicks when he returned in the loss to Stevenage and manager Phil Brown has stressed he must now prove he is fully fit.

Should Bentley not persuade Brown that he is able to do all of his goalkeeping duties, teenager Ted Smith will again deputise.

Mads Ibenfeldt (foot) is the only long-term absentee for the Shrimpers.

Carlisle will be without suspended skipper Danny Grainger, who starts a two-game ban having reached 10 yellow cards for the season.

But fellow defender Troy Archibald-Henville is expected to return to the side after being rested for last week's home defeat to Wycombe due to his troublesome knee.

Senior players Billy Paynter and Gary Dicker are not expected to feature, while midfielder David Symington (knee) has been ruled out for the season and goalkeeper Mark Gillespie (groin) will be sidelined for another six weeks.

The Cumbrians, two points above the relegation zone, are bidding to avoid a fourth straight league defeat.