Tomorrow we face a Tranmere side that have picked up their form. Amongst their ranks, are some notable ex-Saddlers, who will no doubt wanting to get one over their former employers.
Tranmere
After a slow start to the season, things have picked up for Tranmere in recent weeks. In the league, they have won 5 from 5, and on top of that, they have also qualified for the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. Confidence is high, and they also have the bonus of having fans back in the stadium for tomorrow’s fixture, just to give them that extra boost.
In their ranks, they have a couple of notable ex-Saddlers. Kieron Morris has been a regular starter for them, and is enjoying his spell in the side. We all know how he left, and the infamous post by his mother on a certain facebook group, so I expect to see him fired up for some payback. There is also the small matter of Morgan Ferrier. He is not looked on with fondness after his spell with us, however he has struggled to play for Tranmere this season, so we may (very sadly) not see him tomorrow. Corey Blackett-Taylor is also part of the Tranmere setup, and with a couple more years of development in him, he could be a tricky opposition.
Tranmere have a striker in-form. James Vaughan has 8 in 12 league games this season, with 5 of those coming in the his last 5 league games. He will be a handful for our defence. He still has some pace to him, despite being 32, and he has a wealth of experience that he brings to Tranmere’s attack too.
Walsall
Another game, another disappointment. Wednesday feels like another opportunity missed, however I am going to take some positives forward. I think Holden will be straight in for Osadebe, who yet again failed to impress. I don’t see Josh Gordon starting, however he will be eager to get off the bench, and use his energy to give us a lift later in the game.
I would like to see Rose in goal, with the same back four. I would only make a change is Nurse is fit enough to play at LB. I think this back four has looked more settled in the last two games than previous combinations, so I would like to see it continue. In midfield, I would like to see Bates, Holden and Kinsella in the middle, with Holden in a more advanced role. He adds so much creativity to the team, especially in that No10 role.
Out wide, I would like to see Wes on the left, and Nolan on the right. I have been a big ‘play Nolan’ advocate, and I think his energy is needed, and it would allow Holden to move into the middle. I also think Nolan has a better set-piece delivery than what we have seen, especially on Wednesday. Up top, I think Adebayo looks our best outlet, but he needs service.
We have fallen into a trap recently, of starting brighter in the first half, and falling off in the second. We have to take chances when we are on top in games, and avoid making another error when we aren’t.
The Match
It is a 3pm Kick-off, and we are away from home. Prenton Park will welcome 2000 home fans, as both sides will play in front of supporters for the first time this season. It will be a chance to rain on Tranmere’s parade, and I want us to go, and be the perfect villains for the occasion.
Tranmere are in-form, we are not. We have to be disciplined, and as we say every game, take our chances, and we might just sneak something from this match.
