We set off on the road once more as we head for Deepdale to take on under performing Preston.
Vital Quotes:
Graham Westley ‘We can either go away and feel sorry for ourselves (after going out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) or we can bounce back and make sure we put some consistent wins together in the league.
‘We have to use the pain of Thursday night – and it is painful – as a motivation and a driving force for what we do in the league
Dean Smith ‘THE BIG incentive for us going into the game is increase the gap between ourselves and Preston. If we continue with our recent form, we will go there and give ourselves every chance of coming home with a successful result’
Preston Team News:
Preston will be forced into a change in goal for the visit of Walsall.
Thorsten Stuckmann is set to replace Steve Simonsen, who suffered a knee injury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at Coventry on Thursday.
Player to watch: Nicky Wroe
The former Shrewsbury midfielder has made an immediate impression following his move during the summer.
He finished last season as Shrewsbury’s top goalscorer and is top of Preston’s charts so far this term.
Walsall Team News:
Our new signing Sam Mantom will make his first appearance as an employee of Walsall FC following his permanent move from WBA today.
The dilemma is who will be between the sticks? Darlow and McCarey are back with their parent clubs so unless Smith signs someone later today Grof will regain his place as Walsall No1.
Westcarr hasnt signed permanently as of yet so Ashley Hemmings will deputise unless we can agree a deal on that front too.
Player to watch: Brandy/Grigg/Paterson
Delete where applicable.
All three have been in great form recently, contrbuting to the majority of our chances.
Brandy scored 3 over the festive season whilst Grigg and Paterson now have 7 goals each.
Match Facts & Stats
Walsall are unbeaten in their last 2 visits to Deepdale, we drew there 0-0 in Feburary last year.
We have played 53 games against the Lilywhites with us winning 23 to Preston’s 20, drawing 10.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middles is Carl Boyeson from East Yorkshire.
He is familiar to Walsall fans after refereeing our 2-1 defeat to Carlisle in September.
In the 20 games he has officiated this season he has given out a staggering 49 yellow cards, 2 red cards and 4 penalties!
Match Prediction:
Tough game to call. Preston are in freefall whilst we are marching up the league.
I will settle for a 1-1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
Yeovil v PRESTON 19/01/13 – 3pm
WALSALL v Bournmeouth 19/01/13 – 3pm
