Walsall travel to Spotland for the second time this season, this time in the JPT Trophy aiming to gain revenge for their 4-0 defeat in the league.
Vital Quotes:
Dean Smith WE DON’T need reminding that our game at Rochdale last month was a particularly bad day at the office for us, whilst our hosts played very well on that particular occasion.
We return this evening on Johnstone’s Paint Trophy duty where we will be hoping to extend our unbeaten run since that game and also take a step closer to Wembley’
Chris Beech “We said before Saturday`s game, we could have chosen four or five different players to start the match and you could argue the fact that it wouldn`t make us any weaker,” said Beech.
“We didn`t have our A game on Saturday – we were close to it, but we didn`t quite finish half opportunities.
“But of course, we want to win every game that we compete in.’
Rochdale Team News:
Rochdale have no fresh injury worries.
Player to watch: Matt Done
The former Barnsley winger has already score eight goals this season, including his solo goal against us in the league and a hat-trick against Crewe
Walsall Team News:
Walsall are without injured duo Sam Mantom and Tom Bradshaw.
Jordan Cook and Mathieu Manset are fighting for the striking role.
Player to watch: Romaine Sawyers
Romaine has been in fine form since returning from international duty with St Kitts & Nevis. In the three home games since his return, he has scored three goals and two valuable assists.
Match Facts & Stats
Walsall’s last victory at Rochdale came in 2007.
In the last two games at Spotland, Walsall have conceeded seven goals.
Walsall
Ref Watch:
Mr M Heywood from Cheshire is the man in the middle.
Heywood has previously officiated two Walsall games, our 1-1 draw with Bury and our 3-0 defeat to Doncaster.
Heywood has officiated five games this season and has issued one red card, eighteen yellow cards and three penalties.
Match Prediction:
Given our shocking performance against Rochdale in the league I would expect a response and a victory.
Walsall to win 2-1.
Next Fixtures:
11.10.14 – Oldham v WALSALL
18.10.14 – ROCHDALE v Gillingham
