Bury travel to Southend United on Friday night with both clubs well placed and hoping to feature in the end of season Sky Bet League One play-offs.

David Flitcroft takes his Bury side to Southend this evening (7.45pm kick-off)
David Flitcroft takes his Bury side to Southend this evening (7.45pm kick-off)

Southend's form in the last four games, two wins two draws and one defeat, is not sparkling, but it's keeping them in touch with the other teams in and around the play-offs, as they currently sit ninth in the table.

Phil Brown's men have a game in hand over the other play-off hopefuls and are just three points behind sixth place Wigan Athletic.

Bury are just one place outside the play-offs and a win against Southend will propel them into the top six. However their form in the league is a bit 'Jekyll and Hyde', having won three and lost three of their last six games.

Friday night's game promises to be an interesting encounter between these two clubs.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Anthony Yeo identifies three things to look out for in this evening's match...

1) Leon Clarke

The 30-year-old front man signed on a free transfer in the summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has been an absolute revelation for the Shakers this season.

Clarke has scored nine league goals this season and still is a potent force, despite being in the latter stages of his career.

He will pose a serious threat to the Southend defence - he links up play and brings others into the game particularly well. If they can keep him quiet, Brown's side will fancy their chances of getting a result.

2) Adam Barrett

One of Southend's strengths is their tight defence, and Adam Barrett is a key part of the strong defence that Brown has built at Roots Hall.

He played in the promotion winning side from last year, and has played a vital role in the current campaign so far.

He is excellent in the air and a threat in the opponent's box, but will have to play well tonight to keep Clarke and Danny Rose quiet.

3) Noel Hunt

Striker Noel Hunt returns from injury and is expected to be in contention for a starting place against Bury.

Goals haven't exactly been flowing at Roots Hall of late, in fact they have scored just ten in their ten home fixtures so far.

Hunt will be a welcome return for Brown, and could be the catalyst that sees the Shrimpers fire themselves into the play-offs.

Southend and Bury fans... how do you think the game will go? Can your team make the play-offs?Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!