Former York City chief Alan Little is expected to wield the axe on his under-achieving Shrimpers tomorrow, writes Dave Stanford.

After last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Northampton, 16th-placed Southend have now gone more than 510 minutes without scoring a goal on their travels.

And despite winning four of their last five encounters at Roots Hall, Little admits United's inconsistent form has left them with nothing left to play for after a promising start to the season.

With one eye on next season and sensing a need for a shake-up, Little has hinted he may revert back to a 4-4-2 formation after playing 5-3-2 in recent weeks.

Fiery centre back Leo Roget, 22, is expected to return in defence with Little expected to drop former Norwich defender Rob Newman. Skipper Simon Coleman could also, surprisingly, be relegated to the bench.

Roget, who a couple of years ago was being tracked by crack Dutch outfit Feyenoord, has had disciplinary problems this season and has made only the odd appearance since Christmas.

One time Scarborough loan player Nathan Jones will return at left-back after serving a one match suspension.

In midfield, a trio of ex-Minstermen lie in wait for their former club but both Little and Mark Tinkler have played down talk of revenge.

"Obviously, the fact I was manager will be talked about but there is no feeling of revenge," said Little.

"Like anybody, you want to beat your old club but most of the links from my time there playing wise have been severed.

"At the end of the day it will boil down to who wants it most will win."

After being on the bench for the Northampton defeat, Nigel Pepper is expected to earn a recall in the centre of midfield alongside Tinkler while flying Scotsman Gordon Connelly is expected to keep his place on the right of midfield despite failing to impress in recent outings.

Tinkler admits he is particularly looking forward to the game after missing December's encounter through illness.

"Everyone wants to beat their old club but it is not case of revenge as I hardly know any of the players there now.

"Both sides have under achieved this season but I still feel I made the right decision in leaving York and joining Southend."

Steve Jones, on loan from Bristol City, is expected to resume striking duties with former City loan striker Martin Carruthers having scored one goal in his three appearances so far.

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