It’s that wonderful time of year, every fan is full of confidence that this year could be ‘our year’. It is the days before stark reality hit’s, it is the time before that star striker turns into a prize donkey, and that wonderful keeper becomes affraid of crosses.
In these wonderful times we entertain Carlisle who hope to build upon a succesful first season in league one last year. They are a team many are tipping for success this time around.
Vital Quotes:
DD has been stung by coments on some internet sites about our style of play, with some grumbles been evident despite wining the championship.
He has promised to entertain and lets face it there was signs of promise in the last friendly against Villa.
DD built a team to get out of league two, he is the process of getting a team together to get us out league one so I don’t buy that ‘we were not entertaining enough’ we did what was needed and played football when we could. END OF!
Walsall Team News:
A few clues have been given to the starting line up in preseason. Of course big Clayton will be in goal. Rhys Weston is still struggling with a calf injury so Darren Wrack will get the nod. Ex Carlisle man Paul Boertien will be on the other flank. In the centre of defence Scott Dann and Anthony Gerrard coped well with Harewood and Maloney on tuesday and may well start depending on Ian Ropers fitness.
The midle of the park will be missing Mr Sunshine as Sonko is out for about 10 days. Paul Hall seems favorite to come in, with Sonner and Dobson been a combative if not creative central midfield pairing. With Ishmel suspended Fox could well play on the other flank. Upfront Butler and Mooney look likely to start with options on the bench.
Player to watch: Darren Wrack
In his first pre season in almost two years Darren is back. However he is playing in the unacustomed role of full back, can he cut the mustard!!!
Against the Villa he was exposed with Sonko playing infront of him causing the centre backs to cover Darren. He looked more comfortable with Paul Hall in front of him. Hopefully that is the Darren Wrack we will see saturday, otherwise it could be a pointless start.
Carlisle United Team News:
To follow
Player to watch: Zigor Aranalde
In the long hair convention on Saturday Zigor is back. In a game which really should be sponsored by the makers of some hair care product his performance may be key. Who wins the battle between Zigor and Co against Wracky and Hall may have a major bearing on the match out come.
Match Facts & Stats
Too early to get wound up about stats and pre season friendly results can be mis leading, so lets hope the game is as entertaining as our last opening day clash which ended up with a 4-3 win at there place….remember Rod MacDonald anyone
Match Prediction:
Really don’t know at this stage but to keep everyone happy it would be nice to start off with all three points.
Next Fixtures:
Thingavel to Sws don’t get any easieansea in, we travel to Swansea on Tuesday 14th August in the Carling cup and then visit a Leyton Orient side who have brought well during the summer, I feel they may suprise a few this season, thats on saturday 18th August.
