After a disappointing defeat at the hands of Colchester, the Saddlers return home, to welcome the visit of Salford. It will be another big test for Brian Dutton, as his side look to to avoid back to back defeats. With the Saddlers safe from relegation, barring a big turnaround, attentions turn to a particularly bad unwanted stat.
Salford
Salford sit 11th in League Two, and although on paper that looks like the team are sitting mid table, their points haul paints a different picture. Salford are only 3 points off the play-off’s, and are embroiled in a battle with teams from 13th up, for a chance to finish in 7th or above.
Salford’s season has been based on keeping things tight at the back. They have only conceded 33 goals, which makes them the tightest defence in League Two. Their attack has not been as potent as last season, with only 46 goals scored, 3 more than the Saddlers. But with so few goals conceded, Salford do not need to score vast numbers of goals. Their top scorer is the experienced Ian Henderson, who at 36, has scored 16 league goals this season. Henderson has also chipped in with 6 assists too, meaning he has been involved in nearly half of Salford’s goals in League Two.
Salford have a team littered with experienced heads, that are guiding their talented youngsters. Henderson is joined by players such as George Boyd, Tom Clarke, and Paul Coutts, with all four having played in the leagues above. They are signings that really add depth to a side that talented, and filled with players that have performed at a higher level. Jordan Turnbull, Ashley Hunter, and Jason Lowe are all players who have spent parts of their career in League One and above, and on paper, the team is one that is ready for promotion.
Walsall
After 6 games unbeaten, and back to back wins, Walsall went into the game against Colchester full of confidence, however their performance was far from that. Fans commented how the team looked laboured, and like a side with nothing to play for. Here comes that unwanted stat. With 4 games left, Walsall are 4 points behind 16th place. Should they fail to finish above that, it will be their worst season in the clubs Football League history. Motivation enough surely?
Walsall will be waiting on news about Rory Holden, after Brian Dutton confirmed that he was going for further tests to determine how he has held up after feeling uncomfortable after his injury. Simply put, the side need him. Against Colchester, Walsall created very little, and were perhaps lucky to score, with of very few shots at goal. It is a repeat of the same story.
Defensively is where the new concern lies. It was a poor defensive display, where there was a lack of cohesion, unity and bravery. Too many times the Colchester attack were able to break through, without sufficient challenge. This is a concern with 3 games against play-off pushing teams left. Will Brian Dutton stick with a defence that has been solid until the weekend, or make a few changes to see what other options can do.
