As the footballing world seems to be crumbling around us, thoughts turn away from England and Luton to the delights of two trips to Northampton on consecutive saturdays.
Given the choice would you want 3points or a cup win !! Both teams want both, with home advantage Northampton are favorites for a double and one of the two sets of fans are going to end up disappointed.
Vital Talk
DD has stated that he is ready for the double header, although the hoped for transfer double ended up as a single new face.
Other talk from Walsall is positive vibes from Chairman Jeff Bonser about our relative finacial stability.
Northampton Team News:
New boy Dean Bowditch, will make his debut alongside Andy Kirk who rediscovered his scoring boots in the week.
News is a bit thin on the ground about any additional injuries, a couple of loanees who couldn’t play in the cup will return to the line.
we will update you as we know.
Late news striker Poul Hubertz faces a late test on an ankle problem.
Player to watch: Dean Bowditch
I know a few Ipswich fans who proclaimed Dean as the next big thing, however after bursting onto the scene things have cooled for Dean, but he is still a championship player and should be able to find the net at this level.
Walsall Team News:
Same old really, defence picks itself with Roper on the bench, and Boertien on the treatmment table.
Midfield should see a change from the four wingers we were forced to play against Luton. Dobo is still out but Mark Bradley will return following his goal scoring exploits with the Welsh under 21’s. Peter Sweeney will make his debut either in the centre or wide left, It is likely that Ishmel, Wrack and Sonko will contest the other two spots with Paul Hall looking to miss out.
Up front Mooney and Ricketts will start with Troy Deeney on the bench in reserve I would expect.
Player to watch: Peter Sweeney
The Ex Millwall trainee who switched to Stoke for a reported 250k will also be looking to make an impact on his debut.
We he start in his more custom wide left role. Or will he be played down the centre in that creative midfield role that we have been missing for so long.
Wild card choice is that at some point DD could return to a 4-5-1 formation!!
Match Facts & Stats
Northamptons last six results
Crewe 1 – 0 Northampton
Northampton 0 – 1 Bristol Rovers
Northampton 0 – 1 Southend
Oldham 0 – 1 Northampton
Northampton 2 – 1 Cheltenham
Luton 4 – 1 Northampton
Of course a 2-1 win over Darlington and an away draw is also part of this mixed sequence of results
Match Prediction:
Nice steady draw, neither side wanting to give too much away before next weeks clash
Next Fixtures:
De ja vu….Northampton away next saturday.
