NIGEL Clough hopes the hurt of the cruel defeat at home to Portsmouth will spur his team on at Southend tomorrow.
The Brewers lost 2-1 on Friday to a late winner from the visitors that should have been ruled out by the officials.
Southend are in deep relegation trouble and need desperately to pick up points if they are to avoid the drop.
The Brewers manager said: “They will be fighting and scrapping for their lives. Every team we are up against at the moment has something to play for which is good as they get a bit nervy and edgy at times.
“Southend will have three games which will all be cup finals and it will be a warm day down there with only a couple of days in between to rest.
“I hope our lads want to take the injustice of the result against Portsmouth out on Southend.
“We have been playing well all season and no team in the league will be too keen on playing us at the moment.”
Clough will be without Brad Collins and possibly Jake Buxton after both players missed yesterday’s game.
“We are not sure about Jake, maybe more towards Luton,” said Clough. “Brad felt his groin yesterday and I wouldn’t think he will be good for Monday. Whether he’s fit for the last game we will have to wait and see.”
Scott Fraser felt his calf against Portsmouth, Stephen Quinn and Marcus Harness were also struggling late on and all three were substituted.
Clough will have to see who is fit enough to play tomorrow.
He said: “The two centre halves should be OK, but the full backs are being asked to get forward and they will be assessed as keenly as anybody. We will assess everyone today and see how they are.”