Sunday supplement: The defensive question

Walsall’s defensive woes have not eased, compounded by the departure of injured Andrew Davies back to Stoke, following an impressive two games since joining for a month for the victory against Exeter City 3 weeks ago.

Hutchings responded by the setback by bringing in Clayton McDonald and Darryl Westlake, who have been strangers to the starting lineup this season, in a risky 4-4-1-1 formation for yesterday’s game against Huddersfield. Fellow defender Oliver Lancashire, who only joined in the summer from Southampton is out of favour with the manager and sits helplessly on the bench as Hutchings does everything else but give him a chance in the centreback position.

The overhaul in formation Hutchings implemented begs the question of how he thinks that changing the formation with players that have little experience playing in the formation nor with each other, will help dig Walsall out of their woes this season. This leaves supporters contemplating which controversial selection Hutchings will make this season, as he tries but fails to sail a sinking ship. Loyal football fans do not do well with such uncertainty and will only grow more frustrated with each change of tactic the gaffer feels necessary for that day.

Yesterday at the Galpharm, despite being 1 man the better after Huddersfield had a player sent off and the bolstered defence, Walsall were defeated anyway by an organised Terriers outfit. Westlake and McDonald did not repay their inclusion with a decent display, McDonald only interested in creating a wall with his great stature, hoofing the ball away and Westlake making some questionable nervy decisions throughout the game. Yet again Hutchings risks did not pay off.

So what is there to do? The formation obviously did not work out and the elusive centerback position remains a head scratcher for Hutchings of O’ Connor.The centreback dilemna is reflective of how the season has gone for the Saddlers as a whole. Nervy and Indecisive. It wouldn’t be too surprising if Hutchings tries to save face and dip back in the loan market for a Davies replacement.

We wait only untill Tuesday for his next round of decisions as lowly Walsall try to scramble their way from the bottom of the table.

So what do you think Hutchings should do? Comment in the forum!