A busy holiday period ends with a trip to Peterborough. Although we enter the game as league leaders defeat and an MK Dons win will see us knocked off top spot.
Peterborough are on a bad run of form and will be keen to put that run behind them as they seek revenge for the 5-0 thumping they got at Bescot.
Vital Quotes:
Post match interviews with DD hinted that the team are tired and injuries and suspensions will not give that much option for change.
DD was in praise of the work Craig Pead had put in.
Peterborough Team News:
News is a bit thin on the ground at this time of the year. However Peterborough have signed Gavin Strachan on loan from Hartlepool and he goes straight into the 16.
Adam Smith is out of action (tonsillitis), midfielder Peter Gain is doubtful (wisdom tooth) and winger Jamie Day is struggling with a virus.
Of course Posh broke the Conference transfer record yesterday but there new 250k winger (Boyd from Stevenage) will not be able to play.
Player to watch: Paul Rachubka
The 6foot 1 inch American goalkeeper is on loan from Huddersfield, as cover for the injured Mark Taylor but he has given some fine examples of shot stopping. Some Posh fans gave him man of the match in the Hartlepool defeat.
Walsall Team News:
Walsall tired legs after playing on heavy pitches and of course an hour with only ten men, is the main worry.
Although no new injuries have been reported there is little option to change things about.
the defence will remain unaltered, Gerrard is still ruled out due to FA rules despite been fit. Alan Picken is closing on a return but hasn’t played for a while so is unlikely to figure.
Midfield Darren Wrack may well make the bench, Dean Keates has also returned from injury and will be looking to stake a claim. Dobson and Pead are theguys with the shirts at the moment. Out wide the open spaces of London road may see two wingers out of Beadeu, Wright and Ishmel play otherwise a more solid look with Fox on the left.
Upfront we are short of options, Hector Sam and Martin Butler with Alex Nicholls on the bench if he makes the 16.
Of course Par Cedarqvist and Geordie Lyall are unable to play as FA is closed on the 31st and can’t process the necessary paperwork.
Player to watch: Martin Butler
All we are saying is give us a goal
Match Facts & Stats
Peterboroughs recent results
Hartlepool 1 – 0 Peterborough
Barnet 1 – 0 Peterborough
Peterborough 1 – 2 Lincoln
Peterborough 0 – 2 Chester
Rochdale 0 – 1 Peterborough
Hereford 0 – 0 Peterborough
Match Prediction:
Given the form of both teams a draw would be acceptable to both managers, so thats what I will go for.
Next Fixtures:
A break until Monday 15th when Alan Buckley and Grimsby Town visit Bescot along with the Sky cameras.
