Gillingham will be looking for a fourth consecutive league win and to extend their lead over Walsall to five points at the top of Sky Bet League One when they host Southend United this afternoon. 

Phil Brown's Southend travel to top-of-the-table Gillingham this afternoon (3pm kick-off)
Phil Brown's Southend travel to top-of-the-table Gillingham this afternoon (3pm kick-off)

The visitors themselves could consolidate their position in the promotion picture with victory, which could move them within striking distance of the top six.

Here are 3 things to look out for in this afternoon's encounter:

1) Who starts up front for Southend

Noel Hunt remains out injured with a foot injury and David Mooney has not replicated the form Southend hoped for when he signed in the summer.

Shrimpers manager Phil Brown could opt for change after Tuesday's disappointing 3-0 defeat to Chesterfield, and may mix things up, most likely in the striker department.

2) Justin Edinburgh's team selection

Despite the midweek 2-1 win over Scunthorpe United at the Priestfield Satadium, Gills manager Justin Edinburgh may been tempted to make some changes to his side.

He will definitely have to make one though, as Josh Wright serves the first of his three-match ban following a red card in midweek.

Whether he is the only change remains to be seen, as Edinburgh may consider rotating the squad. Yet, while the side is on top form, the reintroduction of players who have recently returned from either suspension or injury seems unlikely for the league leaders.

3) Southend's creativity 

23rd placed Swindon Town have scored four goals more than the Shrimpers this season, and whilst they are up there alongside the Gills with one of the best defensive records in the league, they have only scored 14 goals - only four teams have scored less (Burton Albion, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, and Crewe Alexandra).

David Worrall and Myles Weston will both need to keep contributing going forward if they are to get anything at Gillingham on Saturday.

It is all set up to be an intriguing encounter at the Priestfield Stadium this afternoon.

Gillingham and Southend fans... what do you think the score will be this afternoon? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!