Southend come into this one in decent form, having won three of their last five games, including a big win over Gateshead earlier in the season. Gateshead have also had some good results but were beaten heavily in their most recent match, so they look a bit less steady right now. When these two teams meet, the games tend to be either fairly quiet or completely lopsided, and there has usually been a clear winner rather than a close contest.

Given Southend's stronger recent run and their convincing win in the last meeting between the sides, they look the more likely team to come out on top here, though Gateshead have shown they can win games too. On balance, Southend should edge it.