City boss Matt Taylor has spoken to the press ahead of their trip to Southend United on Saturday and says his side must be prepared for the threats the Essex side pose.
The Shrimpers are yet to win a match in Sky Bet League Two, but Taylor expects a tough contest.
“We’re on the back of two good performances – three if you count the game on Tuesday – and they’ve had a disjointed start to the season, so it’s a difficult one to predict.
“I expect they’ll strengthen their squad this week and they have some players to come back from injury, plus they’ll be looking to pick up their first win of the season.
United picked up their only point of the campaign at Crawley last weekend, a game which the boss believes they could have won and he hopes this will give his players an idea of what is to come.
“They had their best performance of the season by a long stretch last week at Crawley and should have got more from the game, and that gives the players an idea of what to expect.
“But we have to focus on ourselves and our players are prepped and ready.”
Having won three matches in a row, it could be argued that the Grecians have found the winning formula, but Taylor was quick to point out that the side are not yet quite where he wants them to be, adding that they are still working towards an end goal.
“We performed as well as we have all season at Salford and were unlucky not to win, and we were under par against Port Vale but we weren’t a million miles away from where we wanted to be, but then you pick up a couple of wins and we feel more comfortable.
“We’re still working towards a new style play, but we’re pleased with the dynamic and the way some of the lads have gelled.
“It is all about building and building – we’re only four games in.”