Walsall welcome fellow strugglers Colchester to The Banks’s Stadium tomorrow as we look to end our 16 game winless run.
Vital Quotes:
Dean Smith – ‘You see the boys in training, you’d never believe they’re on such a long, winless run. The only dismal performance for me was the defeat to Scunthorpe at home.
‘We’re a young team with a lot of players who are still developing, who can only get better over the second half of the season. And it’s important that the fans are sticking with us.’
Joe Dunne – ‘I know Walsall haven’t won any of their last 16 games but don’t be fooled by that run, as they’ve drawn a lot.
‘They’ve drawn four of their last five so they’re on a better run than we are
Walsall Team News:
Flo Cuvelier is available for selection but will probably only start on the bench due to lack of match fitness.
Nicky Featherstone is a doubt following an ankle injury.
Andy Butler will still be unavailable for selection following his red card at Coventry, Paul Downing will stay in the heart of the defence.
Player to watch: Febian Brandy
Despite the teams poor results of late Febian has given us a lift with his performances.
Whilst he hasnt scored many he has been assisting by the bucket loads and expect the same from him tomorrow.
Colchester Team News:
Colchester can call on Magnus Okuonghae and Marcus Bean, who are both back from suspension, but Gavin Massey sits out the final game of his three-match ban.
Josh Thompson could retain his place in central defence after making his debut in last weekend’s loss at 26/12/Bournemouth.
Player to watch: Jabo Ibehre
Former players always return to haunt their former clubs and the worry steps up a notch when you see Jabo playing for the opposition.
He has scored 4 goals already for the U’s and his movement and strength will cause Holden and Downing trouble all afternoon.
Match Facts & Stats
Nothing to choose between both sides on previous meetings, with both Walsall and Colchester winning 22 each and drawing 16.
Walsall however have won the last 2 meetings between both sides, the most recent home game being our 4-2 victory at home last season.
Ref Watch:
Andrew Madeley from West Yorkshire is the man in the middle.
He has issued 17 yellow cards and 0 red so a lenient ref is always good to have at home.
Match Prediction:
No win in 16 would suggest a loss or a draw so I will plump for a 1-1 draw.
Next Fixtures:
MK Dons v WALSALL 26/12/12
COLCHESTER v Brentford 26/12/12
