COLCHESTER United boss John McGreal is expecting an "intense, full-blooded" friendly at Southend United tomorrow - ideal preparation for the new League Two season.

The Essex rivals are set to clash in an eye-catching pre-season contest at Roots Hall (kick-off 3pm).

It will be the U's last warm-up game before the real business of League Two football gets under way at Hartlepool United next Saturday.

Head coach McGreal is expecting a fiercely-contested derby - despite the fact there are no points at stake - and a different challenge to that posed by Monday's match against Crystal Palace, which the Eagles won 1-0.

"The games have worked out really well," said the former defender.

"We had Ipswich last week, then Chelmsford and then back here to face a Premier League club.

"Now we've got a derby, leading into the Hartlepool game.

"There will be a really competitive edge and it's a great game for both of us - not only ourselves but also Southend.

"After it we'll know where we're at - what bar we're at - heading into the start of the season.

"And I'm guessing it's going to be intense.

"It's about the minutes, preparing and not picking up injuries, but it will be full-blooded because of the rivalry and because both teams have players who want to win the game."

McGreal says he and his players are in a "good place" as they ramp up their preparations for the new campaign.

The U's were relegated last term but their pre-season performances have been encouraging.

They were especially impressive against a strong Palace side, which included five players who started last season's FA Cup final against Manchester United.

"We're in a good place and I'm happy with where the players are," said McGreal.

"We've mixed it around, so everyone has now had pretty much the same amount of minutes.

"The boys look fit, as we saw the other night, so we're really pleased with that aspect.

"Our performances are really coming together, too.

"I know we ended up losing the game but overall I thought it was a fantastic 90 minutes against Palace.

"We could have scored a couple of goals ourselves and we're happy with the squad we've got.

"They've shown they can compete with the passing teams like Palace and with the longer-ball teams like Chelmsford.

"So we have the scope to change bodies and change systems so it is looking good.

"No-one knows yet who the 11 starters will be against Hartlepool on August 6.

"We have a lot of training between then and now and a great game - a totally different game - against Southend. It's all up for grabs."