Tomorrow, Walsall welcome Colchester United to WS1. It is one of the fixtures that we did not get to play last season, due to the curtailment of the league. It will be a test against a club that finished in the play-off’s last season, and a side that will be eager to be in the mix for promotion this time around.
Season So Far
Colchester have had an OK start to the 20/21 season. They have won 1 and drawn 3 of their League games so far, which sees them sitting 9th at this early stage. In the cups, they were knocked by Reading, in the Carabao Cup, and have had two losses in the EFL Trophy, against West Ham’s academy, and Portsmouth.
Their last game was against Oldham, and it ended a dramatic 3-3. Colchester led 2-0, and 3-2, only to concede in the 89th minute. It was a result that will have frustrated U’s fans, especially with this being Oldham’s first point of the season, after being quite poor so far.
Colchester have been seeing goals from several different players, with no one clear goal scorer, so the Saddlers will have to be prepared for all kind of threats from this Colchester side.
Saddlers News
We head into the game with only one fitness concern, and that is Callum Cockerill-Mollett, however, Clarke eluded to the fact that he was back in training, although I would expect it to be too soon for him to go into the starting line-up.
I failed miserably with my predicted line-up last week, however I think that we will be reverting back to the 4-2-3-1 system that has been preferred this season. In goal, I expect Robbo to start, especially after his MOTM performance of last week. In defence, I would expect to see Norman back in the side, with Scarr and Clarke in the middle. On the left I am unsure, either Jules or Nurse could start, however I think Nurse will get another chance. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Jules in the side, either at LB or CB.
In central midfield, I think Bates and Kinsella will play, with Bates impressing in what was a dire second half against FGR. Then I think the usual suspects will play going forward. Gordon and Wes out wide, Holden in the No10 role, and after his goal last week, I think Lavery will start.
The Match
Once again I am expecting a close game, however it is one that if we play to our potential, then I am confident we can win. I am concerned that a repeat of last week, and what could happen if we play like that. Colchester have a very capable team, and we could be facing a tough day if we are slow like we were against FGR.
They have been OK, but not exceptional. Colchester are certainly beatable, and a good game against them will set us up nicely for the busy month we have ahead.
For a score prediction, I am going to say 2-0, and with it, a much improved performance. I hope that Darrell gets into them this week, as last weeks performance was unacceptable.
As always, you can purchase your iFollow tickets from the club website here. The passes cost £10, and with us being at home, every one purchased sees more money going to the club.
There is also the crowdfunding by Walsall Supporters For Change, who are well on their way to achieving a £5000 crowdfunding donation to the club. The idea is that fans can give money to the club that they would usually spend on matchday, be it a pint, some food, a programme, or other products. The link for that is here – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/WalsallFCCovid19
So what do you think? Can we improve on last weeks showing and get back to winning ways? Let me know in the comments!
