Attack Attack Attack, on the day where if we lose and other results go against us we could be relegated from league one, it won’t be one for the faint hearted. It is also not the day to get relegated with a wimper so we need to take the game to promotion seeking Huddersfield.
This will be a nervous game for both teams, for Huddersfield a lose could see tham move out of the play off positions at worst. It would possible be the end of there hopes of securing automatic promotion. In midweek the terriers put in a first half performance which suggested that they would grace the championship, the second half showing gave us hope that they can be beaten. How they bounce back from that 2-1 home defeat will be key.
Another factor will be who scores first, we have little confidence and what we have is fragile to say the least. Too many times we have conceeded and our heads have dropped, despite not having a home win in 2006 we need to stay brave.
The other factor is the fans, a large vocal following from yorkshire is expected with 1350 tickets sold by Thursday evening, whilst the saddlers faithful have grown frustrated and angry at the on and off the pitch goings on. Any murmours of discontent against team, manager or board could be counter productive.
Vital Quotes:
Huddersfield, have been talking about the need to bounce back after there latest disappointment. Whilst in the Walsall camp the staff and players have been trying to convience the fans and perhaps themselves that they can still win the last three games.
KB has also talked about the possibility of taking some gambles to try and get that elusive win. One such gamble could lie with the recall of Kevin Harper who has not played since a hamstring injury, the final decision will rest with the player.
Walsall Team News:
With attack and a cutting edge been reqired I would expect changes, although unless we risk three at the back (which i doubt) the defence may well remain the same, with Ian Roper returning to the bench if his headache is better!
Midfield, this is one area where the choice will be interesting, Standing played poorly out wide and will be replaced or moved more central, leaving option for more attacking wing players such as Taylor, Ishmel, Wright or James. Osborn may return in the centre of the park if fully fit.
Up front Claridge is sure to start, but with whom is the question, Barrowman did his confidence no good with his hat full of misses on Monday. Constable who was dropped after scoring also failed to find the net. Mads Timm who impressed in the 1-0 reserve defeat at strange enough Huddersfield may play some part.
Player to watch: Time for a hero
All of them, it is time for all the players to stop hiding and wear the shirt with pride and fight to the last…..step forward a Hero
Huddersfield Town Team News:
Having had some concern with there forward line latest rumours suggest that they will have options to choose from this time arround. Most of the players who picked up knocks against Chesterfield should have recovered with the exception of Holdsworth who came off at half time.
Read Huddersfields last match report
http://www.walsall.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=16509
Player to watch: Danny Schofield
With goalscorers such as Andy Booth, Pawel Abbott, and on loan striker David Graham (who scored against Chesterfield) we have chosen a midfielder who has managed to hit the net ten times this season.
Read full article
http://www.walsall.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=16659
Match Facts & Stats
We have lost the last couple of games away at Huddersfield with poor performances, the last one a 3-1 reversal in October,only six of that team including subs remain, Pead, Fox,Westwood, Demontagnac and Ian Roper and reserve keeper Gilmartin…..says it all.
Last season we were indebted to a wondergoal and hat trick from Matty Fryatt, I wish we had some one to get a goal let alone three.
Huddersfiels last six results
Huddersfield 1 – 2 Chesterfield
Bournemouth 1 – 1 Huddersfield
Gillingham 2 – 0 Huddersfield
Huddersfield 1 – 0 Barnsley
Port Vale 1 – 1 Huddersfield
Huddersfield 4 – 1 Rotherham
Ref Watch:
KP Stroud
Last at Bescot for the nil-nil draw against Brentford in September giving out five cards, He was also incharge for the cup tie at Stoke which saw just two cards.
Mr Stroud has a history of been card happy managing to give out ten in the Leicester v Sheff Utd game earlier in the year. This season in 36 games he has issued a massive 136 yellows and 7 reds. Already exceeding last years 113 yellows and one red, his first season in the league following a period in the conference.
Any price on a yellow card for Leary!!!!.
Match Prediction:
Form book says comfortable away win, but its that time of the season when shock results happen. However with our record since Christmas it would be a major shock if Walsall came away with the points.
Next Fixtures:
Sat 29th April Gillingham away…they have just increased there prices for this game….cheers guys.
Sat 6th May Barnsley at home, if this game has anything riding on it for the saddlers we will have been very lucky
