Southend United boss Steve Tilson hopes to end Blues winless run against Northampton Town on Boxing Day.

Blues haven't won in their last seven league matches and have failed to score in the final four of those.

But the United chief is hopeful of ending that run against the Cobblers.

"We're going through a sticky patch and need to get out of it," he said.

"We have to get something from the Northampton game ahead of playing MK Dons because that is going to be very tricky indeed.

"It's been difficult for us this season because we've never had a settled side but I still think we are a better team to what we have been showing just lately.

"Seven without a win isn't a good stat but the spirit around the camp is still good and now we just need to turn the corner.

"With the suspensions we have on Boxing Day that isn't going to be easy but we need to get something out of the game.

"The one department we are short in is defenders and it is going to push us to the limit with Adam Barrett and Dan Harding out.

"It will be a good test for us with the team we end up putting out against Northampton but if we can get a result a few games in a short space of time everything can change.

"Three points from the next two games would be lovely, and then at least we are going in the right direction.

"If we can get something at home then that gives us a free shot at MK Dons."

Tilson must also decide who to name as captain without Barrett in the side.

Either Peter Clarke or Alan McCormack are expected to be given the armband whilst Tilson also welcomes Dougie Freedman back into the side.

"Dougie has been training this week so providing he suffers no late injury he will back with us," confirmed manager Steve Tilson.

"That's good news and while it's a blow to be missing Adam and Dan it does give others a chance to impress."