Think Chester and most people think Hollyoaks, football fans may think the new stadium or the old Sealand Road, but a lot of saddlers fans think of another away defeat. Although we have not met in recent times our last away visit ended in a 2-1 defeat. A recent pre season game under Merse was a complete disaster, we have a number of wrongs to put right.
Chester have had an unspectacular start to this although many fans and manager Mark Wright feel that they have turned the corner with an three match unbeaten run. Whilst of course the Saddlers have turned in two wins and a draw in the last three games following the defeat at the hands of a strong Bolton side.
Confidence is high in the Saddlers and Chester camps, desire on the day could win the points which both teams want for different reasons. Chester to just get the season going with high expectation in the board room. The Saddlers could do with the points to maintain a three lead at the top of the table. That could be crucial with Wycombe, MK Dons and Swansea visiting Bescot and a trip into the unknow (accrington ) awaiting this month.
Vital Quotes:
Talk from Chester has been about the possible arrival of winger Ryan Semple.
Mark Wright told the waiting press core: ‘I have always been an admirer of Ryan’s ability and he is the sort of player who will excite our supporters, I tried to sign him at the end of last season but Peterborough were asking for a six-figure sum for him’, said an enthusiastic city boss.
He added: ‘However, now it looks like we have clinched the deal and the formalities should be completed in the next couple of days.’
Ryan will undergo a final medical at the Saunders Honda Stadium before the deal is concluded.
Whilst, the players at Bescot have shown the confidence is high in there press comments. Manager Dickie Dosh has been more involved in talking to the Trinadad and Tobago football association to ensure that slight knocks on internationals Hector Sam and Clayton Ince meant they didn’t have to travel.
Chester City Team News:
Goals have been an issue for Chester with just five scored against the 15 the SSaddlers have hit over the same period. Greg Bundell and Drew Broughton having the responsibility to find the net. Of course tactics wise the signing of Semple if it happens in time may dictate how they line up. Early season 3=5=2 coud make way for the recently favoured 4-4-2.
Player to watch: Roberto Martinez
Ex saddler Martinez was a player who was rumoured to be heading back to Bescot in the summer. However for whatever reason the creative midfielder found his way to Chester. The spanish player never really got a chance under Colin Lee in the Championship, but when not in the sixteen Colin thought highly of Roberto’s views and often had him sitting the stand so he could pass his comments on at half time.
Playing wise he is already a fans favorite leading the way in Septembers player of the month poll. He also knows this league having guided Swansea out and then to the top of league one….walsall be warned.
Walsall Team News:
Alex Nicholls despite his goal in the reserves is only 70% fit, but may figure on the bench if Hector Sam is unfit from an ankle knock. Clayton Ince is only playing and not training as he protects an injury, hopefully he will be fit enough to continue between the sticks. Westwood and Taylor seem to be favorites for full backs and Roper Gerrard and Picken and Dann will fight out for two starting places and one bench spot.The rest of the team seems likely to be the same as last week, with the impressive Pead on the bench. Tony Bedeau could start if Hector fails the test on his ankle.
Player to watch: Mark Wright
Finally showing the form and even a bit of consistancy on the wing. Rumours have been flying about interest from Championship clubs QPR and Wolves. However as the scouts continue to watch he needs to be able to provide the out ball for the saddlers defence.
Match Facts & Stats
10 match form for Chester LLDLLdLWDW
10 match form for Walsall WWDLWWLWDW
All time results between Chester City and Walsall
League 9 Chester wins 11draws 14 Walsall wins
League Cup 2 1 0
Total 11 12 14
last 6 results of this fixture
Football League Two Chester City 2-1 Walsall 15-03-1994
English Division 3 (old) Chester City 1-1 Walsall 24-11-1989
English Division 3 (old) Chester City 1-1 Walsall 07-11-1987
English Division 3 (old) Chester City 0-0 Walsall 01-11-1986
English Division 3 (old) Chester City 0-0 Walsall 23-09-1981
English Division 3 (old) Chester City 1-0 Walsall 06-12-1980
29-08-1959 Last Walsall win
English Division 4 Chester City 1-3 Walsall
Ref Watch:
M Haywood, new to the league in his last game he showed 5 yellows in the Notts county 1 Swindon 1 game.
Match Prediction:
No win in Chester since 1959, Chester on there best form of the season a draw seems likely but I have a feeling in my water for 0-1 to the saddlers
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 14th September
Wycombe come to Bescot for a top of the table clash. 3pm kick off
