Southend United vs Oldham Athletic AFC - Southend may stick with winning formula for visit of Oldham

Posted Friday, March 31, 2017 by PA

Southend manager Phil Brown must decide whether to change a winning side for the visit of Oldham.

The Shrimpers kept up their play-off push with a third straight victory when beating AFC Wimbledon 2-0 last weekend, when recalled forward Nile Ranger scored his third goal in three games.

Defenders Jason Demetriou and Adam Thompson will be hoping to retain their place, along with Simon Cox, also on target at Kingsmeadow Stadium.

David Mooney came through 90 minutes for the under-21s in midweek as the veteran forward closes in on a first-team return following his ankle injury, while goalkeeper Mark Oxley continues his recovery from a fractured elbow.

Oldham will be boosted by the return of Ryan McLaughlin and Aiden O'Neill.

McLaughlin has been away on international duty with Northern Ireland while Burnley loanee O'Neill has spent time with one of Australia's youth groups.

Defender Rob Hunt and forward Aaron Amadi-Holloway could also be back for boss John Sheridan having struggled with hamstring problems.

Brian Wilson (Achilles) is a doubt and Latics are still missing Cameron Dummigan (hamstring) and Charles Dunne (pelvis).