SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell is expecting a direct threat from Bradford City tomorrow.

The Bantams have turned around their fortunes in recent weeks and are currently second in the League One form guide for the past six games.

And Powell is fully aware of the problems Bradford can pose.

“They’re very direct and they will put it on us so we’ve been working on dealing with that,” said the Blues boss.

“We’re facing a player everyone knows well in Jack Payne, who obviously used to be at Southend.

“And we’ll have to do our best to deal with what they will throw at us to win the game.”

The Shrimpers will also need to improve on their sub-standard showing against Plymouth last weekend.

Blues were beaten 3-2 by the struggling Pilgrims but Powell has made sure his players have moved on from the setback.

“I got my anger from the Plymouth game out the way on Monday because I didn’t want it lingering,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We started our work on Tuesday and we know what we’re coming up against this weekend.”

Blues will have new loan signing, left-back Sam Hart, available for the first time this weekend while striker Theo Robinson is also back from serving a one match suspension.

The Shrimpers also hope to complete a swoop for Fulham striker Stephen Humphrys in time for him to feature at Valley Parade.