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Walsall go to the Orient

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So what will the mysteries of the Orient bring to the traveling Walsall faithful. Well when the fixture list came out most Saddlers expected a easy ride against a team that struggled last season. However they have spent the summer building there squad wisely and in fact remind me a lot of the Walsall side which gained promotion under Sir Ray.
So an easy ride it isn’t. A fact proved by the O’s storming start to the season. A win over last seasons championship side Southend at Roots Hall gave them a winning start to the season. Whilst a more tricky looking cup game against London rivals QPR, proved no problem as Martin Lings Orient stormed into a 2-0 lead eventually running out 2-1 winners at Loftus Road.
So in what will be there first home game of the season Orient will be full of confidence and expectation is high a poll on an Orient site gave 73% expected them to beat us. Another rough ride for the Saddlers if we fail to perform.

Dickie Dosh’s Speaks

DD is ready for a tough challenge, with the injuries which have restricted his option easing. DD has gone on record to say changes are possible.
He has also spoken about the developing player Ishmel Demontagnac, a player we all know has pace and skill, well according to his mentor and also DD his attiude is maturing and this is the season for him to make his mark.Whether it will be saturday we will have to wait and see.
Ishmel has been training and playing not only as left back but also as striker, this will hopefully improve his all round game, although a guest spot up front can’t be ruled out.

Leyton Orient Team News:

In goal will be Stuart Nelson who will provide a stern barrier to our forwards. As will the summer signing from Hereford Tamika Mkandawire. It is in midfield where JJ Melligan the ex Wolves and Cheltenham man will make his home debut. However star man Sean Thornton has been running the show for the O’s in the last two matches. Up front Wayne Gray the ex Southend striker and Adam Boyd, the ex Hartlepool hot shot who plied his trade in the championship last season will both be trying to break the Walsall rear guard.

Player to watch: Sean Thornton

A few eyebrows were raised when he signed from Sunderland for Doncaster and some sterling performances in Donny’s cup run raised his profile even higher. So it was a suprise when he moved to the O’s in the summer. He has already made his mark with a 25yard strike at Southend. Although he came in for some rough treatment the Southend players accused him of been a bit of a diver, He missed tuesdays game so we will have to wait until saturday to make our minds up.

Walsall Team News:

Walsall, hope to have a bigger group to pick from with full back Rhys Weston and Ian Roper incontention for a first team spot. Of course Ishmel is back after suspension. However SOnko is still out whilst it is a wait and see over Martin Butler.

Player to watch: Tommy Mooney

Started his Walsall career with a goal but missed a one on one which would have given us the lead against Swansea. No one can doubt his effort, thrid game in a week could silence those who questioned the Dads Army fitness.

Match Facts & Stats

Ref Watch:

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Match Prediction:

A tough game, a draw would be fine.

Next Fixtures:

Back home next saturday, Swansea come to the Banks’s stadium.

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