Mad Dog Martin Allen brings his MK Dons team to Bescot on saturday. On paper MK Dons should be the strongest team in the league. However mixed results have left them in sixth place and will be desperate to win against us to prevent the gap to the top getting bigger. Behind the scenes the new ground is coming on well, and the fan base is growing slowly but surely. Yet on the pitch Martin Allen has decided that new players are required, to allow this six players have been placed on the transfer list. The remaining players are under no illusion that perform or go, should make for a cracking game on saturday.
This is the game where I feel we may finally let a goal in, so the question will be can we score more than you?
Vital Quotes:
To follow
Walsall Team News:
Chris Westwood still has an injury which will require a late test but Craig Pead has been an equal replacement. Centre half will be two from three Dann, Gerrard and Roper. Dobson is expected to be fit to return to midfield most likely alongside Keates.
It is upfront where we are still sweating on Martin Butler where we have the most concern.
Player to watch: Martin Dobson
To me has looked a better player alongside Kinsella rather than Keates. The season is starting to be disrupted with injuries, and he hasn’t recaptured the form of the first couple of games. Saturday the returning Keith Andrews will provide a stern test of our midfield.
MK Dons Team News:
No new problems have been reported but I will update as news breaks. The team however has plenty of Championship experience. Upfront they have Aaron Wilbraham Clive Platt, Scott Taylor,as well as 1milion plus rated Izale McLeod. In midfield exWolves and saddlers loanee Keith Andrews will be key as will the pace of ex WBA man Lloyd Dyer and Jon Paul McGovern. So going forward will be no problem. In defence the man that replaced Clayton Ince at Crewe Ademola Bankole most likely will be in goal. Whilst Drissa Diallo signed from Sheff Wed will marshall the defence alongside £150,000 summer signing Sean O’Hanlon. If fit Jamie Smith will provide experience at full back.
Player to watch: Clive Platt
In a week where Michael Ricketts has been rumoured to return to Bescot, Clive Platt who started his proffessional career with Michael at Bescot does. However whilst Michael has his one England cap Clive has become a model proffesional at the lower level of the football league. His height has got him goals but an important part of his game is the ability to set up his colleagues. Whilst striker partners such as Izale Mcleod get the spot light the contribution of the ex saddler can’t be underestimated.
Match Facts & Stats
last 6 results of this fixture
Football League One Walsall 1-1 MK Dons (formerly Wimbledon) 08-10-2005
Football League One Walsall 0-0 MK Dons 19-02-2005
Football League Championship Walsall 1-0 MK Dons 13-03-04
English FA Cup Walsall 1-0 MK Dons 25-01-2003
Football League Championship Walsall 2-0 MK Dons 14-12-2002
Football League Championship Walsall 2-1 MK Dons 29-01-2002
Match Prediction:
It must be remembered that recent MK Dons performances at Bescot have always been better than there league position would dictate. There away record this season is impressive with four wins with there last defeat at Swindon on the 12th September. They also recorded a 3-2 win away at Lincoln.
However whilst it is important to avoid defeat I can see us edging this one 2-1.
Next Fixtures:
Torquay come to Bescot next weekend, Saturday 4th November 3pm kick off
