After two weeks of not kicking a ball in the league the Saddlers return back to league action and face our good friends from Gillingham in a relegation six pointer.
Vital Quotes:
Jon Whitney “The break has been good for us – we have had some really good training days,”
“It was important we concentrated on ourselves. We have done a synopsis of the season so far. We`ve looked at the areas we feel we need to improve.’
“We also looked at the areas we are doing well. But the main thing is to get an energy back into how we play.’
Walsall Team News:
Saddlers are still sweating on the fitness of Luke Leahy who suffered a knock against Shrewsbury.
Every player returned from international duty with no problems.
Player to watch: Erhun Oztumer
Oz was nominated for October player of the month following three goals during the month. If the Saddlers are to start climbing the league then Oztumer needs to be on his game.
Gillingham Team News:
Team news will appear here later.
Player to watch: Josh Parker
Parker has scored four goals in his last three games and will be a real test the Saddlers midfield.
Match Facts & Stats
Seven of the last ten between both sides as ended in a draw although the last time both sides met at the Banks’s Stadium, Gillingham were victorious thanks to goals from Cody McDonald and Jay Emmanuel Thomas.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Andy Haines
Assistant Refs: Nicholas Barnard and Richard Bartlett
Fourth Official: Abbas Khan
Haines has officiated seventeen games in so far this season, dishing out forty six yellow cards and two reds.
Last season he dished out one hundred and thirteen yellow cards and five red cards in thirty seven games
Match Prediction:
Saddlers need to win this one. Doesn’t matter how scrappy it is.
Expecting a 2-1 Walsall victory, goals from Oztumer and Tyler Roberts.
Next Fixtures:
21.11.17 – Walsall v Fleetwood
