bwfc.co.uk previews Wanderers’ upcoming trip to Roots Hall
As Wanderers prepare to travel to 6th place Southend, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Whites’ next Sky Bet League One fixture.
1. Wins down south
Tuesday evening's game will see Wanderers travel to the south for the twelfth time in the league this season, and we've more than enjoyed our away days to the south of the country.
The Whites recorded their first away win of the season at the first time of asking against AFC Wimbledon thanks to goals from Liam Trotter and Gary Madine.
The Whites have also beaten Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town, Millwall, Northampton Town, Gillingham and Oxford on the road and have lost just one of their previous eleven outings down south.
The last trip was one to remember as well, with Phil Parkinson's men running out 4-2 winners over Oxford United.
Now facing Southend, they will be eager to ensure this good run continues come 9.45pm on Tuesday!
2. Gary Madine
Having been withdrawn in Wanderers’ win over Shrewsbury Town just over a week ago, our No.14 proceeded to miss Saturday’s draw with Chesterfield with a groin injury.
The big striker, however, has travelled with the squad down to Southend for Tuesday’s fixture with the Shrimpers, with manager Phil Parkinson and his backroom staff set to monitor him ahead of his potential inclusion in the matchday squad.
3. Phil Brown
Tuesday’s encounter at Roots Hall will see Wanderers come up against their former player and assistant manager Phil Brown who is currently in charge of Southend United and has been since 2013.
Leading them to English football’s third tier back in 2015, Brown’s side are firmly in the promotion hunt this term themselves having acquired 66 points from their 40 games so far, leaving them sixth in the table.
The 57-year-old also worked with Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin whilst at Hull City, although any pleasantries between the trio will no doubt be saved until after the final whistle.
4. Tuesday Night League success
Tuesday's encounter against Southend United will be our eleventh Sky Bet League One, evening kick-off this season.
Originally scheduled for January 21st, the game was called off due to a frozen pitch and rearranged for Tuesday night.
The night games have certainly proved to be a good omen for Phil Parkinson's side as they've won nine of the ten games. The latest midweek fixture saw Bolton run out 4-2 winners over Oxford. That result extended our unbeaten run to eight even games without defeat, stretching back to the 18th October.
More of the same please, lads.
5. Unbeaten Run
Although held to a goalless draw at the weekend by Chesterfield, Wanderers are currently amidst an eight-game unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One.
Winning five and drawing three of those matches, the Whites have also scored 18 goals in that period.
Currently, amidst a four-game winning streak on their travels as well, Parkinson’s men will be eager to make that five come full-time tomorrow evening.