Southend United boss Steve Tilson believes his side will be in for a real test against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Blues play their first game in three weeks tomorrow at the Galpharm Stadium.
And with the Terriers currently play-off contenders Tilson knows his team will be in for a difficult game.
"Huddersfield have a good budget, players and side so it will be a real test for us," Steve told Blues Player on Thursday.
"They haven't lost at home this season, winning nine and drawing three so that says an awful lot about them.
"But we won our last game at Orient so we're full of confidence too and hopefully we can get a good result against them but we know it's going to be very difficult."
United will be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall however.
Mildenhall has missed his side's last two matches with back and pelvic problems.
But Tilson expects the custodian to be fit to face Huddersfield.
"Steve trained yesterday and providing he suffers no reaction then he will be fit to play," confirmed the Blues boss.
"We will have to wait and see but he should be OK."
Mildenhall will replace Ian Joyce between the sticks whilst Osei Sankofa is expected to make his first start since October in the Southend back four.
The fit again defender should replace Sean Morrison who has now returned to Swindon Town after completing a two month long loan spell.
Southend though will again have Simon Francis in their side after the defender opted against joining Peterborough United.
Posh had an offer accepted for the 24-year-old but he could not agree personal terms with the Championship club.
And Tilson is delighted to still have him available.
"It's a big boost for us," said Tilson.
"I think he's been one of our most consistent players this season and he has a long list of attributes.
"I would have been disappointed to lose him and I'm glad he's decided to stay."
Tilson has also extended Jean Yves M'Voto's loan spell from Sunderland until the end of the season.
But he is not sure when the French centre-back, who has been out with a hip problem since September, will be fully match fit.
"We're not sure when Jean will be back," confirmed Tilson.
"In an ideal world we would bring in another centre-back but that hasn't happened for us yet."
