If the match survives the oncoming Blizzard (which I doubt) then we welcome Bournemouth to the Banks’s Stadium in a match which could see us just 2 points from the play-offs….who would have thought it!
Vital Quotes:
Dean Smith ‘The lads are working hard and there’s plenty of confidence throughout the squad. We have a group of players here who are pushing all of the time; the lads that are not currently in the team are doing all they can to impress and give me food for thought and there is a very positive vibe around the place that can only bode well for us’
‘The players are developing nicely and our style of play is winning plaudits, which is nice. Hopefully that momentum can continue and we can secure the points on offer’
Walsall Team News:
We have no injury concerns.
Player to watch: Adam Chambers
Ive plumped for someone a little different today.
Adam Chambers has arguably been our most influential player in recent weeks and Bournemouth will struggle to break down our midfield dynamo.
Bournemouth Team News:
The Cherries suffered a trio of injury scares with Lewis Grabban (knee), Josh McQuoid (calf) and O’Kane (ankle) all doubts for the weekend
The Cherries have just signed Dan Seaborne on loan from Southampton.
Player to watch: Lewis Grabban
Should Lewis Grabban shake off his niggling injury then he will be the main man to fear.
He has scored 10 goals already this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Bournemouth are undefeated since Eddie Howe took over in October.
Walsall on the other hand have won an impressive 5 times in their last 6 outtings that have pushed them towards the top 6.
Of the 53 games played, Saddlers have recorded 22 wins, and Bournemouth have come away with 11 victories. We are unebaten in our last three matches against the Cherries with our last resulting in a 2-1 victory in September.
Ref Watch:
The man in the middle is Andy Davies from Hampshire
Davies has spent the majority of his career refereeing Conference games and has only recently joined the Football League.
Since August he has dished out 27 yellow cards and 1 red.
Match Prediction:
Given Bournemouth are undefeated under Eddie Howe I would be inclined to predict a draw, however Walsall are normally the team to break ducks so ill go for a 2-1 win to the super saddlers.
Next Fixtures:
Colchester v WALSALL 26/01/13
Hartlepool v BOURNEMOUTH 22/01/13
