MK Dons V Walsall preview

A crunch game, one which will certainly decide how much pressure the Saddlers are under in the run in. However this game will not decided anything for either team. It would be nice to come away with the points which would see the Dons five points adrift with seven to play.

Vital Quotes:

Dean Keates has asked everyone to roll up there sleeves whilst new signing Trevor Benjamin says he is seeking goals.
Manager DD is stressing the point that match will not decide either teams promotion destiny.
His counter part Martin Allen is playing it a little more cloak and dagger, just saying that he has some tough team choices to make.

MK Dons Team News:

MK Dons are a team that scores goals for fun, however they also have the 15th worse defensive record in the league. Up front Izale Mcleod and ex Saddler Clive Platt seem to be the main choice with lightening fast Leon Knight on the bench.
They have been playing Lloyd Dyer and Aaron WIlbraham with Keith Andrews, but deadline signings Jarrett and Blizzard coming into the reconing.
Otherwise it could be unchanged but baring in mind Allens coments has he got a suprise plan to deal with the Saddlers.

Player to watch: Clive Platt

The ex Saddler will be desperate for a good showing in front of the cameras and the Saddlers faithful. In recent weeks while defences have been watching strike partner Izale Mcleod, Clive has come up with some crucial goals, lets hope he has got it out of his system.

Walsall Team News:

Everyone except Ropes is available, the defence seems to pick itself. Westwood, Dann, Gerrard and Fox infront of Ince. The midfield also seems to pick itself with the two Kev’s (Harper and Cooper), either side of Keates and Dobson.
It is up front where the choices have to be made. Martin Butler has looked tired in the last couple of games, but how could you drop him for such a game. So who plays along side, Par Cederqvist, Hector Sam or does Trevor Benjamin with whom Butler had such a prolific partnership come straight into the side. Of course the other option is to play Wrack just off the main striker….we will have to wait and see.
As for the bench Bossu and any other four.

Player to watch: Scott Dann

Along with Anthony Gerrard will have to be on there toes against all the tricks that Izale Mcleod has in his pocket. The MK Dons have had the most players sent off against them than any other side, so the two youngster’s need also to keep there cool.

Match Facts & Stats

Only stats that matter is how the league table looks after the game.
It could be the nightmare situation of us losing Hartlepool and Swindon winning leaving us third six points off the top and Swindon breathing down our necks.
The best solution would see a saddlers win and Hartlepool losing to put us back top. This with a Lincoln Swindon draw would make a perfect weekend.

Match Prediction:

Whilst most Saddlers are quiet relaxed about the possibility of of us losing, MK Dons have built up the expectation and how there players and fans react to this will be key. If it encourages them we could be in for a hard time, if the weight of expectation of a fourth straight home win stiffles them then who knows.
All in all I would say a narrow home win. 2-1

Next Fixtures:

Next saturday Accrington Stanley and Mr Coleman arrive at Bescot 3pm kick off.