Head coach Joey Barton says his side are looking to continue their excellent away form at Southend United this weekend.
Barton’s side are unbeaten on the road in Sky Bet League One this season, boasting victories at Oxford United and Scunthorpe United, as well as draws at Charlton Athletic and Sunderland.
The Cod Army make the long trip south on Saturday, with Barton hoping for more of the same from his side.
“I think the way we are set-up allows us to play well away from home,” said Barton.
“We are a side that enjoys counter attacking, and you can see that with the pace that we have within our side. Teams at home normally open up, and if teams do that against us, we have the firepower to hurt them.
“I think we have been – by our standards – below our level at home apart from 60 minutes against Leicester [in the Checkatrade Trophy] and Bradford. We have a lot more improvement to come at home, but on the road we have been excellent and could have had even more points away from home. The key for us is to keep learning and progressing.
“For me, this game is a game we are more than capable of winning. I’m not going to say we are win – because Southend are a good side – but like every game we believe we can win every game. It was my mindset as a player, and will always be my mindset as a coach.”
Town’s chief has also praised the work of opposite number Chris Powell, ahead of meeting at Roots Hall on Saturday.
“The reality is that most teams after a period of time reflect their manager’s personality,” added Barton.
“Mainly because if you invest in a player to come to your football club, you must be able to relate to them and see something that you like in them. Perhaps after three of four transfer windows this is the case, rather than when you come straight in.
“I don’t really think about that [Southend’s form], as we have to just focus on what we’re doing. I know they lost at Shrewsbury on Saturday, but having watched the game back, they could have easily picked up more.
“We are fully aware that this is a tough match for us.”
Watch Joey's full pre-Southend press conference in full on iFollow.