Form and context

Southend host FC Halifax Town at Roots Hall on Saturday, looking to respond after a 1-2 home defeat to Berkhamsted in the FA Cup. Kieron Dyer called that display "really poor" and said he expects a team "raring to go" against Halifax. Halifax arrive on the back of a 3-2 win over South Shields.

Team news

• Southend: Midfielder Darren Oldaker will miss the match against Halifax. Dyer said his side must get back to what they were doing before the Berkhamsted game.
• FC Halifax Town: No confirmed team news yet.

What the numbers say

• Southend's last five in all competitions: 1-2 loss to Berkhamsted, 2-1 win at Boston United, 3-1 win over AFC Fylde, 1-1 draw at Eastleigh and a 2-4 loss to Barrow.
• Halifax's last five in all competitions: 3-2 win over South Shields, 4-1 win over Gateshead, 2-0 win at Solihull Moors, 1-1 draw with Boston United and a 2-1 loss at Worthing.
• Southend have won six of the last eight head-to-head meetings, with two draws; the most recent was a 6-2 Southend win at Halifax on 18 April 2026.
• Southend average 2.4 goals scored and 1.6 conceded across their last 10; Halifax average 1.7 scored and 0.8 conceded.

Our view

Southend have the stronger recent record in this fixture and home advantage, but the FA Cup setback and Oldaker's absence add uncertainty. Halifax have won three of their last five in all competitions, so they should not be underestimated.

Most likely outcome: home win - Southend's dominant head-to-head record and home setting outweigh their recent cup disappointment.