Bolton come to Bescot as clear favorites as league Two takes one the top flight. However not everything is clear cut. The Saddlers have yet to conceed a goal at home and have a 100% record. Whilst Big Sam has played weakened teams against us in previous cup meetings and won. So there is every chance we will see a weakened Bolton team, but be under no illusion Big Sam will pick a team to beat the Saddlers. For Walsall to win we will have to be on the top of our game and Bolton to under estimate the task ahead of them.
Another factor is the approach of Walsall, we have a shrewd manager in Dickie Dosh and quiet rightly he has the league as his number one priority, so I wouldn’t be suprised if he changes things around to try and spring a suprise, the pace of Ishmel and Tony Bedeau might just come into the frame.
Vital Quotes:
Both Managers were happy after the weekend, Dickie Dosh happy with the attitude of the Bescot boys, whilst big Sam was disappointed not to get three points against Boro, but happy with the way things are going.
Walsall Team News:
Gerrard still suspended, Constable still injured, the game comes too soon for Alex Nichols and Darren Wrack. Slight doubt about leading goal scorer Martin Butler who has taken knocks in the last two games.
Otherwise it is a full squad to pick from.
Player to watch: Ishmel Demontagnac
Although I am not sure he will be in the 16, this is the type of game I would include Ishmel for. His directness and pace could be the suprise that opens a well drilled defence. His attitude and temper have improved under Dickie Dosh so lets let the Demon off the lead.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Bolton have injury worries, but with changes likely to be made these won’t really effect Sam’s thinking. He has players with skill and pace to burn waiting to come in. Foe Saddlers the question is will Nic Anelka play or be rested. Most can’t see why Sam would risk his number one striker, others wonder if he will give the french man chance to find his goalscoring boots against us.
Player to watch: Anelka
If he plays, pure class, pace touch and finish….enough said.
Match Facts & Stats
We have met on a number of occassions and the memories are not good. The worst one been that little 8-1 defeat at Bolton on September 10th 1983, I am scared for life.
As you can imagine Bolton are the bookies favorites for this one.
Match Prediction:
Who knows, my heart says 1-0 to the saddlers, in reality Bolton by a two or three goal margin is more likely.
Next Fixtures:
Gas attack on saturday as we travel to the Memorial ground to play Britol Rovers. Kick off is at 3pm
