Tomorrow sees us embark on the our League Two 20/21 campaign, as we host Grimsby in what will undoubtedly be a hard fought game, with both clubs eager to get their seasons off to a 3 point start.
Walsall have been given a clean bill of health, and that will give us a real indication of how the depth of our squad is looking. With players like Nurse, Osadebe and Rose all impressing mid-week, as well as an improved Alfie Bates, Darrell will be facing a selection headache, but for the right reasons. How will the squad look? It is tough to say, we all know Clarke likes to spring a surprise into the mix, however I think we know the formation. I think the Saddlers will be lining up in a 4-2-3-1, and will do for a lot of the season. There will be times where it is adapted, but I think that Darrell will play this tomorrow after it being our main formation so far.
I think that Roberts will be back in goal, with Norman and Nurse playing as full-backs, with Scarr and Jules in the middle. I think Bates and Kins will make up our midfield two, with Gordon, Holden and Wes making up the attacking three positions. I think that Adebayo will start up top, over Lavery, to provide a bit more of a target man.
Grimsby have changed formation in both games, so it is tough to say what they will be lining up as, however I think a 4-4-2 could be the chosen system. They are a team that have recruited well, but they also have a couple of injuries. Sean Scannell and Danny Rose have come in, and both will be looking to hold down places in this team. They are without James Hanson, who was a nightmare against us last season, as well as Luke Hendrie and Max Wright, with Wright picking up a knock against Morecambe. Like us, Grimsby have had two draws and two penalty shootouts, after drawing to Morecambe 1-1 in the Carabao, losing on pens, then drawing mid-week against Harrogate, before beating them on pens. Like us, they will be up for it, as every Ian Holloway team always is.
I cannot wait to see the league kicking off again. Yes the cups are nice, but nothing beats the opening day of the league season. Make sure you get your iFollow passes. For those buying them, they are £10, with £8 of that going to the club, so each pass makes a difference. I will be on hand for the build up, and the usual post match. Tomorrow will also be Vital’s prediction list, so keep an eye out for that!
