Southend United finish their pre-season friendly fixtures with a tough clash against First Division crisis club Crystal Palace at Roots Hall.

Palace, who are battling for survival against a staggering £15 million debt, will be bringing a full-strength team to Southend on Saturday as the Shrimpers attempt to end their summer campaign on a high.

However, Blues boss Alan Little has no sympathy for the Eagles' plight and has demanded a professional performance against Steve Coppell's outfit in preparation for next weekend's Third Division kick-off at home to Plymouth Argyle.

"Tomorrow's match is the last chance for my players to give me food for thought and play their way into my plans," said the Seasiders chief today (Friday).

"I'll be starting with a team very close to my starting line-up for the new season, but this will be my last chance to experiment with one or two things so there will be some changes of playing personnel during the game."

Little said he was expecting a hard test from Palace, who he believes will be the strongest side Blues have played during their pre-season programme.

"I wanted a hard game before the new campaign kicks-off and I will certainly get that from Palace," added Little.

"They are a totally different proposition from their First Division rivals Norwich, who we beat here 2-1 a couple of weeks ago, as they are a direct and powerful team.

"They will push us to the limits and that is the sort of test I want my lads to have before the real action begins against Plymouth." Little has warned his men against thinking Palace's players will be a soft touch because of their club's financial turmoil.

"The money problems at Selhurst Park won't put Palace's players off their game because they will be coming to Roots Hall wanting to beat us," he said.

"In my experience players just want to play and Palace's lads won't be distracted by club problems tomorrow."

Ex-Southend defender Keith Dublin, released by Blues at the end of last season, has joined Ryman Premier Division outfit Farnborough Town along with another former Roots Hall favourite Andy Ansah.

Making your mind up - Blues boss Alan Little will be using the game to finalise his first team for the coming season

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