Cheltenham have come a long way since they were frequent visitors to the likes of Hednesford Town and the such. Saturday they head to Walsall withn the aim to capitialise on the Saddlers poor home form to bag three points to move them away from the relegation places.
Things have not been plain sailing for the Robins this week as a virus has meant a number of players have missed training, but reports from the club appears that everyone has been given a clean bill of health as the majority trained on Thursday.
Vital Quotes:
Cheltenham manager Keith Downing who knows this area well from his days at Wolves and some of his early coaching was done in the Walsall area has been keeping a positive note ahead of the game on saturday.
Last saturdays 2-2 home draw against Crewe is one of those results which feel like a win, as they came from 0-2 down, Downing states that with the number of quality crosses they got into the box they should have got more than a draw, he has asked for an improvement in finishing.
As for Walsall we try to bring our away form home, for whatever reason things have not been as good since we lost Mattis to a broken leg, but we go into this game looking to not only snatch three points but put in another performance.
Walsall Team News:
Nothing new really, with the same players that were involved in that below par performance at Bournemeouth likely to be involved in the shake up.
There has been talk of trying to get in loan players and we will have to watch this space to see if anything happens today.
Of the players who played in the reserve game against Port Vale only Paul Hall strengthened his calls for a first team shirt.
Player to watch: Ishmel Demontagnac
Has been given the extend run that many fans were calling for however how he copes with Alan Wright could give a true indication of his potential.
Cheltenham Town Team News:
Having thought that they were past a bit of an injury crisis a few more knocks were picked up last weekend and in training.
Jennison Myrie-Williams is out and has returned to his parent club as he approached the end of his loan spell. John Finnagan looks likely to miss out with a foot injury and Scott Brown is still out for another month.
Four to five players have missed training and been kept away from the club for 48hours with a virus but all these players are likely to return.
Alan Wrights move to FC Sydney is in question so it appears he will be in the Cheltenham team on saturday, he scored a cracking free kick as well by the way.
Player to watch: Gavin Caines
A well liked lad when at Walsall and was unfortunate to be released, but in truth our strenght at centre half was too great to provide him with an opportunity to develope. So he went to Cheltenham and has proved to be the find of that season, I am sure he will want to put on a show saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
A first visit for Cheltenham, our last meeting was at Whaddon road a 2–2 draw saw us go out of the JPT on penalties.
Match Prediction:
If we are to stay away from relegation trouble this season these are the games we must win. However our recent performances have not been good and our home form is poor which must give Cheltenham hope. I see a Walsall win, an early goal could see a repeat of the Huddersfield game, but more likely a narrow 2-1 win.
Next Fixtures:
Banks’s is the place to be…reminder of the return to FA Cup action against Shrewsbury, qualifying season ticket holders must exchange there vouchers for tickets prior to the game.
