Preview: Grimsby Town vs. Southend United - prediction, team news, lineups

Grimsby Town play host to Southend United on Friday evening knowing that they will move joint-top of the National League standings with a victory.

Meanwhile, 20th-placed Southend make the trip to Blundell Park looking for a second win in three games, a result which would move them clear of the bottom three.

Match preview

There was a time not so long ago when Grimsby appeared to be in cruise control at this level, collecting 25 points from a possible 30 from September 4 onwards.

However, a 1-0 defeat at lowly Wealdstone upset the applecart at Blundell Park, and Paul Hurst's side have since lost three more matches in all competitions.

As well as three successive setbacks in the National League, Grimsby also suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.

Hurst has suggested that he has been unhappy with the performances of several players, demanding a response ahead of what feels like an important fixture.

At a time when Grimsby have been competing at the right end of the table, Southend are battling to avoid a third successive relegation and even remain in existence.

The appointment of club legend Kevin Maher has gone some way to lifting spirits at Roots Hall, but supporters remain pessimistic about a prolonged improved run.

Some progress has been made in recent games, the 4-1 win over bottom-placed Dover Athletic an absolute necessity and Maher's men stayed competitive against Woking.

Nevertheless, they are still just one point above the drop zone ahead of one of their toughest matches on paper, a less-than-ideal scenario when attempting to build momentum.

Despite losing five of their seven away games this season, positives can be taken from shipping just 10 goals, the most recent 1-0 setback at high-flying Boreham Wood a consequence of being reduced to 10 men.

Team News

Hurst must decide whether to give another opportunity to young winger Evan Khouri or hand a recall to Will Bapaga.

The experienced Giles Coke may come back into the midfield, potentially as a replacement for Ben Fox.

Ryan Taylor is expected to get the nod over Lenell John-Lewis in attack.

Abu Ogogo remained as an unused substitute last time out, but the midfielder will be considered for a recall on Friday.

Nathan Ralph is an alternative to Jack Bridge, but the rest of the side could stay the same.

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

McKeown; Efete, Waterfall, Towler, Revan; Coke, Hunt; Sousa, Clifton, Khouri; Taylor

Southend United possible starting lineup:

Arnold; Dimitriou, White, Hobson, Lopata; Brunt, Dunne, Phillips, Bridge; Dalby, Murphy

We say: Grimsby Town 3-1 Southend United

Given the form of their hosts, Southend will be confidence of causing an upset on the East Coast. However, we can only back the Mariners to return to winning ways, inflicting more misery on opponents who are under pressure to move clear of the drop zone.