It’s time to get behind the lads for another nerve jangling afternoon.
Manager Speak…
KB took the blame for Tuesday’s defeat, although nobody really belived him. The blame lay firmly at the fet of the players. Kevan Broadhurst has said we need to ‘dust ourselves down and get on with it’ also saying that the players froze and it is a ‘mental thing’. Well they have had two days to put it right.
Meanwhile at Bradford the ‘Todd out’ shouts were loud and universal followings Saturdays home defeat, but have been replaced by a sign of relief following a 90th minute winner against Blackpool.
However talk has been more about Steve Clarigde, admist rumour of a bust up between himself and Colin Todd. Despite the fact Todd dropping Claridge after scoring 4 goals in 6 games, he denies a bust up. Whilst Claridge states he is disappointed the way thigs turned out.
This is another six pointer a win for Bradford puts them on 51points virtually safe. A win for us put us on 45points and drags them right back in it.
Walsall Team News:
Problems,problems, problems, Osborn and Mills so badly missed on Tuesday sit out the last game of there two match ban. Grant Smith and Mark Wright both limped out of Tuesdays game so must be doubtful. Ishmel Demotagnac red carded tuesday. Dean Keates still suffering from a hamstring injury so it is unclear if he will be rushed back. So ther could be a few suprises in the line up perhaps even the formation.
Despite a nerve effected game Andy Oakes will keep his place, we have no other options.
Defence Westwood was one of the few that came through tuesday with out a horrendous error to his name. So may come into KB’s thoughts. Especially if we start as we finished with a back three. However KB seems to like a
4-4-2 so if injuries are as suspected Pead may return to right back, joining Roper, Gerrard and Fox, although still isn’t 100% match fit.
Leary and James are the only ones fit from Tuesday,if Keates isn’t fit then Standing or even Kinsella may figure or perhaps Mads Timm may drop back into midfield.
Up front Devlin is a cert if not required to play wide. Barrowman seems to have lost all confidence as the crowd got on his back, it maybe better for him to be taken out of the firing line. With skillful but desirless Mads Timm in line along with fans choice James Constable, and unimpressive Scott Fitzgerrald in the wings.
New signing Steve Claridge isn’t permitted to play against Bradford, his parent club.
To many issues to predict a line up with any certainity
Player to watch: A N Other
After Tuesday we don’t know which set of players will turn up. Those that showed commitment and desire at Colchester, Southend, Swansea and Tranmere or the players that disappeared on Tuesday.
In either case Paul Devlin showed he can be a real hand full to a league one defence. Given the arm band on Tuesday he is desperate to continue to make amends to the horror show which kicked off his Walsall career.
Bradford City Team News:
Having enjoyed 63% of the pocession against Blackpool on Tuesday it took a late Joe Brown goal to seperate the two teams.
A similar line up is expected with Jamican international Donovan Ricketts putting his 6ft 4inch frame between the sticks.
The defence will be marshalle dby experienced David Wetherall, assisted by 6ft Darren Holloway and 6ft 3 Damian Stewart and Mark Bower.
Midfield, Marc bridge wilkinson is well known to us from his Port Vale days. On tuesday Tom Penford mad his 8th appearence on the season, with Lewis Emanual who was voted best wide man at the club in a recent poll, along with Ben Muirhead, Ben was taken off on Tuesday and is only 50/50 to be fit he was replaced by goalscorer Joe (90) Brown.
Up front Dean Windlass sits out his last of a five match ban. So Danny Cadamarteri who has let to find the promise he showed at Everton as youngster, will partner Walsall target Aaron Wilbraham, who would have been a saddler if it wasn’t for MK Dons late decission not to loan him out to a club in relegation trouble like themselves.
Bradford have some names missing such as Bobby Petta, Owen Morrision and Steven Schumacher. The later two played in the 4-1 defeat against Oldham and will be looking to return.
Player to watch: Donovan Ricketts
Jamacian International goalkeeper, who had a trial at Walsall when we were searching for an understudy to a certain Jame Wacka Walker. Any proposed deal fell through due to work permit problems and the rest is history so to speak.
Signed for Bradford in July 2003, however work permi issues again were a problem, allowing Paul Henderson to take the number one shirt. However when his chance came he has took it with both hands. He has made 30 appearances this season. Been sent off once against Southend earlier in the season.
He was in Jamaca’s world cup squad and captain of there under 23 team.
Match Facts & Stats
Bradford’s last six results
Bradford 1 – 0 Blackpool
Bradford 1 – 4 Oldham
Bournemouth 0 – 1 Bradford
MK Dons 2 – 1 Bradford
Bradford 1 – 1 Bristol City
Swansea 1 – 1 Bradford
Match Prediction:
Despite there poor run, our performance on Tuesday gives me no confidence, away win I am affraid.
Next Fixtures:
Oh isn’t nice to be beside the seaside
next Saturday Blackpool away
