Can the depleted Saddlers pull it out the bag?

Walsall will welcome Oldham Athletic tomorrow, and hopefully, a repeat of last time we played. Only 5 games have passed for Walsall since the last time we played Oldham, but things have changed a lot, for both sides. Both sides come into the game on a poor spell of form, with Oldham manager Harry Kewell openly questioning his sides mentality after the defeat midweek.

Oldham

After a tight game at Boundary Park, Oldham went on to beat Newport County 4-2 the following game, however since then, they have struggled. They have drawn two, and lost two in the league after that Newport County victory, and also suffered a big defeat at the hands of Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Where the Saddlers have had a chance to rest, Oldham haven’t as they played in the Cup at the weekend, and midweek against Mansfield, where they lost 3-2.

Oldham’s league position is one that is not one befitting of the team. They have got a good attack in their team, with goals coming from all over the pitch. Their main goal-scoring threat is Conor McAleny, who has 14 goals in all competitions this season. Danny Rowe, Zak Dearnley and Bobby Grant are all threats, showing that our defence will need to be on their game.

Like ourselves, Oldham have recruited a player this week. They have made the loan signing of winger Marcel Hilssner from Coventry. Hillsner signed for Coventry over the summer, but is yet to appear for the side. He has had played in each of Germanys top three leagues, as well as many levels in the Germany youth teams. He is a bit of an unknown in English football, but will be keen to make the right impact on loan.

Walsall

Darrell Clarke has today announced that we only have 14 first team players available for selection for tomorrow. Given that we have had a two-week break from our last game, this is very disappointing, and a concern. We are not sure who the players are, or even whether some of those with knocks are fit, and others are injured, so it makes it tough to predict a line-up, tactic or formations.

One person we expect to see, is Tyreik Wright, who signed from Aston Villa this week. He will provide width, and if Wes McDonald is one of the 14 fit players, then it will be the first time we have seen a similar player on each wing. The problem has been goals and creativity, and Wright can help in that department. I would normally have expected him to start on the bench, as he won’t have trained with the side much, but given the injury problems, he may be thrown into the deep end straight away.

We need a clean sheet, however I think it is going to be tough to get that tomorrow. I keep going back to the same point, but I expect we will see a changed XI, and our defence has looked better when settled. However, in the past, we have seen players come in, and they have had the chance to play, and impress, especially when the odds may be against such a performance. So tomorrow is a time for those on the fringes, and younger players to impress, and show that actually, they deserve more game time.