Matt Harrold and Gary Hooper have been chosen as the preferred strike force for Southend's opening game of the League One season against Leyton Orient.

A packed house is expected at Roots Hall today for the local derby, with Harrold in particular having caught the eye during pre-season after adding seven goals to his name.

Kerrea Gilbert will be the only new addition to be making his league debut for the club, with the on-loan Arsenal defender starting at right-back.

Steven Hammell is ruled out with an ankle injury, which means Che Wilson is offered the chance to stake a claim for the left-back berth.

Everything else is calm on the injury front, as Peter Clarke returns from a back injury to partner Adam Barrett in the centre of defence.

Southend: Flahavan, Gilbert, Clarke, Barrett, Wilson, Campbell-Ryce, Maher, McCormack, Gower, Hooper, Harrold.

Subs: Collis, Richards, Bailey, Black, MacDonald.

Leyton Orient: Nelson, Purches, Saah, Mkandawire, Palmer, Corden, Chambers, Thornton, Melligan, Gray, Boyd.

Subs: Daniels, Morris, Terry, Demetroiu, Echanomi.