We have well and truly stuttered in the league. In the 14 games we have played this season, we have won only 3. These have not been overly convincing wins either. However Stevenage offers us an opportunity to get back to winning ways, and rack up some more points on the board. However, with poor results in recent games, this is no longer a ‘should’ win, it is a ‘must’ win.
Stevenage
Despite being rooted to the bottom of the league last season, by a twist of fate, Stevenage survived. They had a big rebuild over the summer with new manager Alex Revell, and it felt like the club were out to prove why they deserved a place in the league. The season started well for the club, who seemed to shake off last seasons woes. They then went on a run without a victory, until last week, where they are two from two, after beating Port Vale in the league, and Hull City on penalties in the FA Cup 2nd Round.
They are a side that will be high on confidence after two great results, however they are a beatable one. In the victory against Hull, it took them all the way through extra-time, and to penalties to win, so tiredness may be a concern for Revell.
In terms of personnel, Revell has an experienced defence to hand, with Scott Cuthbert, Luke Prosser and Ben Coker all being regulars this season. Up top, Stevenage have struggled to find a consistent goalscorer, with Elliot List the highest in all competitions, with 3 goals. They have a handful of players on 2 each, and Saddlers fans will recognise Aramide Oteh in those players.
Walsall
After a spell of 4 losses on the bounce, a draw away at Newport was an unexpected, but pleasing result. We played well, and this has to be a catalyst for us to kick on, and produce a good run of form. I mentioned the experience in Stevenage’s defence, and although they will be out to stop us creating a lot, they are also an aging defence, and our quicker, trickier players should be able to force chances if they play the way we know they can.
I would like is to play in a 4-2-3-1, with Holden in the middle. I think it will be the best way to break down a side, and create for ourselves. I would like to see the same back four that played against Newport. This may not be everyone’s 1st choice, however, Clarke’s leadership was necessary, and we looked solid. We all know about the goal conceded, but apart from that, we looked better at the back. I would also like to see Adebayo up top. He is in a good spell of form, and took his goal well last week.
We will be without Josh Gordon, although all the talk I have heard is that he is making good progress with his recovery, but apart from Josh, I think we are all but at a full squad to choose from. Nurse was closing in on a return last week, so hopefully after another few days, he is ready.
The Match
Despite last season being the way it was, and their league position, this won’t be an easy game against Stevenage. They are riding a small wave of form at the moment, and they will feel that another couple of results will drag them away from danger. They have some good players too, and a more settled side compared to last season. They are also playing for their manager, who seems to command respect from the team.
It will be similar to Southend. If we score early on, then I feel we will be in the ascendency, however, the longer we go without scoring, and the longer we let Stevenage have on the ball, to do what they want, the tougher the game will be.
Lessons have to be learnt from Southend, and I hope they have been, or else we face another tough watch.
We are at home, and kick-off is 7pm. So make sure you get your iFollow passes in time for Kick-Off, as it has been pulled back to the slightly earlier time.
