Roots Hall is the location of some intriguing action in the National League on Friday night as Southend United host Barnet under the lights.
Both sides currently occupy positions in the playoffs heading into this clash, and a win for either would land a significant blow on their promotion rivals in this one.
Match preview
Southend have kicked on in the league after a disappointing FA Trophy exit at home to York City three weeks ago, winning three of their four matches in the fifth tier since.
A 4-0 loss at title-chasing Notts County at the end of February would have put the Shrimpers' capabilities into perspective after four-straight league successes before that, however there is still plenty of reason for optimism this season.
Kevin Maher's men are seventh in the National League standings ahead of this crucial clash with Barnet, sitting inside the playoffs by just a single point as the campaign reaches its business end.
Jack Bridge and Callum Powell have provided eight goals each to fire Southend into a promising place in the table, with both needing to continue their decent form if their side are to earn a top-seven spot come May.
Barnet travel to Southend on Friday in their worst form since September, having lost five of their last six games in the National League - a type of record which will not see them maintain their playoff position for much longer.
The Bees have the worst defensive record of any side in the top 10 of the fifth tier, and their backlines woes have been even more pronounced lately, conceding 14 in their last six matches.
Dean Brennan's side are fourth in the National League table ahead of a trip to Roots Hall, possessing a four-point advantage over Boreham Wood who lie in eighth before this weekend's round of fixtures.
Despite recent losses, Barnet have continued to fire in the goals and that shows on the goals for metric, with only Wrexham and Notts County having netted more than The Bees' 64 so far this campaign.
Team News
Southend United midfielder Harry Taylor started his fifth-straight game in the centre of the park in the win over Torquay United last time out and should be rewarded with another start here - extending his longest run in the side this season.
Cavanagh Miley netted a last-gasp winner at Torquay on the weekend and should maintain his place in the XI, with boss Maher hoping for an improved performance from their display on the coast despite collecting maximum points.
Barnet missed the attacking threat of forward Harry Smith in the defeat to Oldham Athletic last time out, and boss Brennan will be hoping that the six-goal striker is available on Friday night following a calf injury.
Bees goalkeeper Laurie Walker is also a doubt for the clash at Roots Hall after suffering a back injury this week, with Brennan desperate to avoid using a backup option in net at a time where his side are struggling defensively.
Southend United possible starting lineup:
Noukeu; Scott-Morriss, Taylor, Lomas, Kensdale; Hobson, Powell, Miley, Bridge; Hyde, Husin
Barnet possible starting lineup:
Walker; Green, Yarney, Hogan, Kitching; Sheron, Sutton, Chapman, Rooney; Shelton, Nuttall
We say: Southend United 2-1 Barnet
Southend should be buoyed after their last-minute heroics at Torquay last time out and have the opportunity here to record back-to-back wins by defeating a Barnet side who are stuttering at the moment.
The Bees are in free-fall in terms of results recently and need to save their season from ending in a disappointing manner, but we do not believe that they will start that recovery at Roots Hall on Friday night.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Carter White
