Both teams go into this clash looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend. Both managers will have some tough decisions to make, as we lead upto the often crucial christmas period.
Vital Quotes:
The noise out of Bescot has been positive as it always is where DD is concerned and despite the Draggons league positions a look at Wrexhams squad and the teams home form ensures we are in for a tough afternoon.
Mainwhile the talk out of Wrexham is all about injuries and climbing the table, last weeks heavy defeat at Boston has pulled them onto the brink of an unexpected relelgation struggle.
Wrexham Team News:
striker Lee McEvilly shrugged off the after-effects of a viral infection to score two goals in a 3-0 victory over Macclesfield reserves yesterday. However due to a lack of match fitness it is doubtful he will start against us.
The local Daily post wrote
manager Denis Smith, who is considering a start for teenager Marc Williams alongside Chris Llewellyn up front against League Two leaders, Walsall, on Saturday.
He said: ‘You could see that Lee is nowhere near fit, but at least he is training again and he showed what a good finisher he is, which is what we are lacking at the moment.
‘I thought Marc Williams did quite well this morning and he will come into consideration for the weekend if Kevin Smith is not available.’
The on-loan Sunderland striker is under treatment for strained knee ligaments, but will not train until tomorrow at the earliest.
Meanwhile, alternatives Neil Roberts and Juan Ugarte have already been ruled out with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively..
And the Racecourse boss is anticipating a lengthy lay-off for midfielder Mark Jones, despite the fact that a scan has revealed no obvious damage to his right knee, an injury that forced the Wales international to miss last Saturday`s game at Boston United.’
Otherwise I would expect a similar team to the one that faced Boston
Player to watch: Chris Llewellyn
The striker will be the main goal threat to the saddlers and will be hoping to benefit from some decent service especially from set plays by Darren Ferguson. Chris who scored against the saddlers in there last meeting a 2–2 draw at bescot spent last season at Hartlepool but never really settled. This season he has returned home and so has his shooting boots with 5 league goals to date.
Walsall Team News:
One or two things to decide for DD, does Dann continue or does the 19 year old defender get a rest and allow Gerrard to come in. Taylor or Fox at left back will depend on what happens in midfield. With Keates still touch and go and with Dobson playing last week despite not been 100% there could be changes. A chance for Craig Pead perhaps, also wide areas could be crucial in the wide open spaces of the racecourse ground, so Mark Wright will need to be on top form he had a day off last saturday despite been on the pitch.
Up front Hector Sam wants to start. Tommy Wright hit the net on his debut, so is DD brave enough to drop Martin Butler who hasn’t hit the net in a while, although it is due to a lack of chances rather than form.
Player to watch: Hector Sam
Returning to the club where he made his name following his move from his native Trinadad and Tobago. He will be wanting to make an impression if given a chance.
Match Facts & Stats
Last meeting in league one ended in two draws 1-1 at Wrexham and 2-2 at Bescot. It could be hard to seperate the teams again.
Match Prediction:
Despite the league position Wrexham are not that bad at home and can count Lincoln as a recent scalp (2-1), Swindon also fell at Wrexham earlier in the season, in fact there last home defeat was 1-2 to MK Dons on 14th October so 3pts would be notice of intent where promotion is concerned.
I think it looks like a draw, but if we play to our potential we could snatch 3 points
Next Fixtures:
Boston away next weekend, new ground and it beats Xmas shopping !!
