Southend saw their first league victory of the season come against the Saddlers. It was a low point in the season for Walsall. The players will go into the game remembering the embarrassment of that defeat, and eager to make it back-to back wins against a Southend side who are without a win in 5.
Southend
Southend suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Port Vale last week. This made it their fourth successive defeat, and meant that they stayed rooted to the bottom of the table. They are three points from Barrow, who sit in 22nd. Their form improved during December, where they picked up 3 of their 5 league wins this season. After starting the year with a win against Barrow, their form has slumped once more.
The Shrimpers are the leagues lowest scorers. They also don’t have that key player, who has been more prolific than the rest of their team-mates. They have four players as their joint top league goalscorers, each having two goals to their names. In defence, they have Greg Halford, who is staying with them until the end of the season, however he has not been able to stop Southend conceding 11 goals, in their last 4 games.
The Shrimpers made the signing of Mellis on deadline day, to add to the midfield. He joins Nathan Ferguson who joined in the window too, as Mark Molesley looks to sure up his midfield.
Walsall
2pm’s squad announcement will be a very interesting indeed. Fans are keen to see what XI will be announced by Darrell Clarke, as they prepare for life without Zak Jules and Elijah Adebayo. Max Melbourne looks set to come straight into the side to replace Jules, however up top is where it gets complicated. Fans are debating whether to keep the attacking midfield of McDonald, Gordon and Wright (or Nolan) would be better than moving Gordon up top.
Their are plenty of opportunities for Darrell to surprise everyone. There have been a few players suffering with injuries, so James Clarke and Jack Rose, could be back in contention, as well as Cameron Norman, who has been on the bench the last few games. Rory Holden is still injured, and will be the only player missing, although his return is approaching.
The game against Southend kicks off a busy February for the Saddlers, and one that is a game that they have to win if they want to push for the play-offs. Walsall have been guilty of not beating the teams that are below them in the league, especially those on poor form. With new players, or those on the fringes of the team now being given their chance, it is a chance to prove themselves, and bed in to the side, against a team that look likely for relegation.
