Stadium: Roots Hall (Capacity: 12,392)
Table Position: 4th
Top Scorer: Harry Cardwell (3)
Head Coach: Kevin Maher
Nickname: The Blues
2023/24 average attendance: 5,881
Stadium: Victoria Park (Capacity: 7,858)
Table Position: 5th
Top Scorer: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (2)
Manager: John Askey
Nickname: The Monkey Hangers
2023/24 average away attendance: 537
Tomorrow afternoon Southend United will look to return to winning ways as they entertain Vanarama National League new boys Hartlepool United.
The Monkey Hangers were relegated from Sky Bet League Two last season following a 23rd place finish, but have seemingly put last term's disappointment behind them and have started the campaign well.
Hartlepool have thus far enjoyed an identical start to the season as Blues with two wins and a loss to their name. John Askey's side got their season underway with defeat at Barnet but have since bounced back with home wins over Gateshead and Maidenhead United respectively.
Since the turn of the year Hartlepool have won just twice on their travels and given their recent trips to Roots Hall this number doesn't look likely to increase.
The North East club haven't come away from Roots Hall with three points since 2002 and have only ever won twice away to Southend.
It's not just away to Southend when Hartlepool have struggled against Blues. Including home as well as away games the Monkey Hangers have won just one of their past seven meetings with Southend.
Three points for the hosts tomorrow would make it the first time that Blues have won three of their opening four games since the 2013/14 season in League Two.
Ones to watch
Harry Cardwell
A man who has had no problem finding the back of the net so far this season, Harry Cardwell has made himself an early contender for the golden boot with three goals in as many games.
The former Scotland Under 21 international bagged seven goals last season and is currently on track to well beat that tally this time around.
Including his goal against Wealdstone on the final day of last season Cardwell has netted four goals in four competitive games and the 26-year-old will be hoping to make that become five goals come Saturday evening.
Charlie Seaman
A summer signing who has settled in instantly at Victoria Park, Charlie Seaman has been a revelation since joining the Monkey Hangers on loan from Doncaster Rovers.
Since moving to the North East, the 23-year-old has appeared in every game - and in midweek he opened his account for Hartlepool with a rocket of a strike against Maidenhead United.
The right back will be eyeing up a fourth appearance for the club this Saturday.
Familiar Faces
Hartlepool striker Chris Wreh spent last season with Southend, scoring four goals in 27 appearances in the National League. In midweek the American forward made his debut for Hartlepool; playing for 88 minutes in their 3-1 win over Maidenhead.
Hartlepool midfielder Callum Cooke scored at Roots Hall during the Covid season of 2020/21 and also got two assists in the reverse fixture at Valley Parade.
Form
Southend United
W - 4-0 vs Oldham Athletic (H)
W - 0-2 vs Dagenham & Redbridge (A)
L - 2-1 vs Dorking Wanderers (A)
Hartlepool United
L - 3-2 vs Barnet (A)
W - 2-1 vs Gateshead (H)
W - 3-1 vs Maidenhead United (H)
Recent meetings
06/04/2015: Hartlepool United 0-1 Southend United
15/11/2014: Southend United 1-0 Hartlepool United
18/02/2014: Southend United 1-1 Hartlepool United
10/08/2013: Hartlepool United 0-1 Southend United
06/03/2010: Hartlepool United 3-0 Southend United
By Nathan Williams
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