Oldham Athletic AFC vs Southend United - Jay Fulton to return to Oldham starting line-up

On-loan Swansea midfielder Jay Fulton will return to Oldham's starting line-up for the visit of Southend.

The 21-year-old impressed as a second half substitute in the defeat to Barnsley having been left on the bench after missing the team's last two victories.

Midfielder Michael Higson is set to regain his place having been dropped in favour of Giorgio Rasulo.

Mike Jones and Jake Cassidy are close to making their comebacks into the squad after injury.

Southend midfielder Gary Deegan is back in contention after returning to training following an ankle injury.

Deegan is still regaining fitness, however, and it could be too soon for a start while Michael Timlin (heel), Noel Hunt (foot) and Stephen McLaughlin (toe) are all doubts.

Midfielder Anthony Wordsworth is definitely out. He is not expected to return until the new year after rupturing ankle ligaments.

Southend have climbed to 10th in the table after losing only once in seven league matches.