The day both Walsall and Barnsley want to say goodbye to League One. As for Walsall it is with sorrow that this represents our last game in the division. Whilst Barnsley backed by what is sure to be a big following hope to clinch a place in the play offs and a route to the championship.
In August everyone pointed this game out as a play off decider, but not just for Barnsley. They will be hoping that we roll over and die, but with players playing for contracts and trying to impress the new man Richard Money things might not be as easy as they think. However if Barnsley score first then our lack of confidence may come into play.
Once again the main difference between the two may well come down to the strikers. They have a number of options too choose from. Whilst Walsall have limited resources which has been the case since Christmas.
At least with Barnsley bringing over 2,500 there should be a cracking atmosphere.
Vital Quotes:
Barnsley manager Andy Ritchie has been publically giving a proffessional out look on proceedings, worrying about the relaxed attitude of the saddlers and the new man in charge effect.
However Walsall will be managed for the game by Mark Kinsella who will want to end his spell in charge with a 100% record. He has stated in the press his desire to bring Walsall there first home win of the year!!!
Richard Money will look on from the stand with interest.
Walsall Team News:
With last nights news that Steve Claridge will not be offered a contract for next season some doubt on his participation have been raised. The main issue is that of attitude, despite the talk of going for the win how much faith will be put onto leaving loan players and how much would trust in those staying may decide the balance of the team. Otherwise reports seem to state a full bill of health for the Walsall playing staff. Of course Westwood will be in the stand due to suspension though.
Player to watch: Andy Oakes
Out of contract, he can be a good keeper but it seems he is very much a confidence keeper. H eis playing for a contract, do we keep him or do we try to get better, a lot could be riding on this game for Andy.
Barnsley Team News:
Barnsley have a few problems. Defender Paul Reid is suspended and fellow defenders Neil Austin and Matt Carbon (what a surprise!) are doubtful. Former Saddlers Sicknote as he was known has a groin injury.
With the defence been the main stay of there season I would expect a couple of gambles with fitness in an effort to clinch that Play off spot
Player to watch: Chris Shucker
Another player who has turned out for the saddlers only to be shown the door, as not good enough. Then re appears to haunt us. The diminuative striker/winger could cause us problems as Barnsley look to feed the strikers for the goals to seal there play off place.
Match Facts & Stats
Last Meeting had Barnsley Manager in a rage as the team just failed to turn up, this resulted in a 2-0 saddlers cup win…..they will want revenge
Barnsley’last six results
Barnsley 0 – 0 Bradford
Blackpool 1 – 1 Barnsley
Barnsley 2 – 2 Southend
Oldham 0 – 3 Barnsley
Barnsley 1 – 1 Chesterfield
Huddersfield 1 – 0 Barnsley
Evidently hard to beat, but too many draws recently.
Ref Watch:
Mr RJ Beeby
Games: 29 Yellow Cards: 76 Red Cards: 8
Was incharge of our 2-0 defeat at Blackpool !!
Match Prediction:
Hartlepool to lose to Port Vale
Swindon lose to Huddrsfield
Rotherham Beat MK Dons, we then beat Barnsley, and find out Rotherham have submitted there ADministration order at half time since they were 3-0 down and are deducted ten points so despite there 4-3 win they are relegated and we pull off the great escape…..great stuff this alcohol !!!
Next Fixtures:
League Two see ya soon
