So it’s Warsaw v Boston USA according to soccer am!! Both teams needing the points for different reasons. Walsall require the points to maintain the lead at the top, whilst also returning to winning ways after last weeks no show at Mansfield.
Having brought themselves into the league, the gamble of paying high wages for star players failed for Boston. Manager and hate figure Steve Evans brings with him a team which has lost more players than gained since our 1-1 draw. The club have problems with the council regarding a new ground, whilst rumours of a takeover bid have suggested that things are not running smoothly. Whilst it could be that events off the pitch are overtaking events on the pitch but the truth is Boston must stay in the league so points are vital, no team will turn up and roll over and this one definately won’t.
Vital Quotes:
Talk out of Bescot has been about transfers managers future and injuries, not the most focused of weeks. However in true DD the positive spin is there for all to see. Yes we are still after players but only the right ones. DD and JB both state the manager is going no where, and Wrack , Picken and Nicholls all came through a friendly with the Villa.
Kris Taylor however has hinted at the importance of this period to the Saddlers describing it as make or break.
Walsall Team News:
After last week and with a number of players impressing against Villa DD may make changes. Darren Wrack likely to come into the 16, perhaps Geordie Lyall maybe the wild card as Mark Wright failed to perform at Field Mill. The other question is whether Dean Keates will force himself into the starting line up, and will it be Par or Hector to start up front.
Player to watch: Craig Pead
With some good performances in the centre of midfield, DD has refused the option to bring in another midfield player. However things went wrong at Mansfield for Craig and the team. This maybe the final chance to seal that central midfield spot. Craig is also one of the few Walsall players not to hit the net so far this season, now would be nice.
Boston Team News:
With resources thin on the ground, Albrighton, Ryan and others all departing for pastures new, as did there goal scorer from the last game,N’Gusse
Incomming is Justin Richards on loan from The Posh, Shane Nicholson from Chesterfield and Steve Vaughan from Chester.
So this team will do exactly what it says on the league two tin, direct pressure football looking to Drew Broughton win balls hit up front and feed off the scrap’s
The line up for last saturdays 3-1 home defeat to Swindon was
Marriott
3 Nicholson
5 Greaves (Maylett 68)
2 Canoville (Clarke 46)
4 Ellender
26 Thomas
15 Farrell
25 Kennedy
10 Green
9 Broughton (Vaughan 67)
8 Richards
Substitutes
16 Clarke (Canoville 46)
18 Vaughan (Broughton 67)
14 Galbraith
11 Holland
7 Maylett (Greaves 68)
Player to watch: Drew Broughton
Last season one league two manager described Drew Broughton as ‘not a footballer’ refering to his combative style. A player who will upset Saddlers fans as well as defences. Roper will have his hands full this time around.
Match Facts & Stats
No history of this particular fixture but Boston have lost the last two matches whilst losing there last three away games. So whilst Walsall are not pulling up trees the form book suggests a homw win.
Match Prediction:
The Walsall faithful may need to be parpared to wait for the first goal saturday. Boston may well come with players behind the ball and be hard to break down. The Pitch may well play into Bostons hands.
An early goal for Walsall may make all the difference otherwise it maybe a frustrating nervous wait for three points.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday see’s Walsall visiting a form team who look capable of pulling of escape of the season. We are talking Paul Ince’s Macclesfield. Hopefully Swindon will give them a hard game saturday, although it would be nice if The Silkmen could take something off the Robins.
