By Andy Heryet, at Roots Hall

Caretaker manager Dean Wilkins is forced to make one change to the side that started Saturday's match against Leyton Orient for tonight's Carling Cup clash.

A slight neck injury means that Geoges Santos misses out, with Tommy Fraser returning to the starting line-up in midfield. Paul Reid moves back to right back and Adam El-Abd will line-up alongside Joel Lynch in the heart of the Albion defence.

First year pro Sam Rents is recalled to the bench.

Tommy Fraser is recalled

For Southend, manager Steve Tilson makes two changes, resting midfielder Luke Guttridge and centre-back Peter Clarke. Lewis Hunt and Efe Sodje take their places.

Albion (4-3-3):  Kuipers; Reid, El-abd, Lynch, Mayo; Fraser, Hammond (capt), Frutos; Cox, Revell, Hart.  Subs: Sullivan (GK), Butters, Rents, Loft, Robinson.

Southend (4-4-2): Flahaven; Francis, Barrett, Sodje, Hammell; Campbell-Ryce, Hunt, Maher (capt), Gower; Eastwood, Paynter.  Subs: Collis(GK), Clarke, Lawson, Hooper, Smith.

Referee: Phil Crossley