Walsall face another stern test of there promotion ambitions on saturday against Chester City. Many Saddlers hope the corner has been turned after a poor run of results came to a halt against Barnet. This was followed up with a hard earned point at Darlington. Chester who have not been in a fantastic run of form themselves are bound to be hard to break down and will want to show a positive reaction to manager Mark Wright’s disgust at there last two results.
Vital Quotes:
Chester City manager was so angry at the home draw against Torquay been followed up with a defeat at Mansfield, he failed to turn up to the post match press conference…he is bound to be demanding more from his players.
Whilst the Bescot buzz has been involving DD asking more of Par Cederqvist whilst Darren Wrack hopes to have done enough to keep the shirt he gained in Micheakll Dobsons absence. Dean Keates has been asking Walsall fans and players to keep up recent efforts.
Walsall Team News:
The likely return of Chris Westwood and Micheal Dobson will give the manager further options. So changes to the team that played at Darlington more than likely, with Westwood slipping back into defence. The two Kevs will provide width and it seems two out three in midfield out Wrack, Keates, Dobson with Pead an outside choice.
Up front my money is on Hector and Butler with Par on after 60 minutes!!!
Player to watch: Clayton Ince
Having returned to clean sheets last saturday, the big guy needs more of the same but without the occasional flap or dropped catch.
Chester City Team News:
David Artell was ruled out of a return to his old club Mansfield through a head wound, he may return against the Saddlers. Striker Lee Steele who was on the bench against Mansfield maybe fit enough to claim a starting slot. Fellow striker Simon Yeo will be hoping to return after missing out with his ankle injury. Full back Simon Maples was a suprise returnee against Mansfield and should keep his spot. Winger Brad Maylett will be hoping to build on his goal scoring start with Chester.
Player to watch: Royce Brownlie
A player on loan from Swindon Town who will be eager to help Swindon gain ground on the Saddlers by helping take three points back to the Deva stadium.
A striker with bags of pace will trouble any defence especially on the break.
Match Facts & Stats
Latest Results
Mansfield 2 – 1 Chester
Chester 1 – 1 Torquay
Chester 1 – 1 Hereford
Swindon 1 – 0 Chester
Chester 1 – 0 Bury
Wrexham 0 – 0 Chester
Walsall have collected 2 wins and 3 draws from their last six home matches. A total of 11 goals have been scored by the Saddlers in those games, with 7 conceded.
Chester City have an average recent record on the road, seeing them win just 1 and draw 2 of the last six. Only 2 goals have been registered in this time, with 4 leaked at the wrong end.
So with Chester having such a tight defence away from home a tight game is in prospect.
Match Prediction:
It is the wrong time of the season to predict anything with any certainty, but I will go home win as we badly need it.
Next Fixtures:
First of two tough looking away games.
Wycombe away saturday 17th March 3pm kick off
