Match Preview

Walsall V Millwall

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Walsall entertain Millwall this saturday, in front of what could be a rather disappointing crowd. The last saturday before Christmas has always been poor in terms of attracting a good crowd. The club have done its best we are having a Xmas fun day, and the local paper have sponsored a kids offer. In reality though how many of those 7000 odd Saddlers that were present against Leeds will return…how many have already spent there spare cash.
Matters on the pitch could be quiet interesting as the Saddlers enter the Xmas period trying to complete there first double of the season. However if you look at The lions team sheet the first question is what the hell are Millwall doing at that end of the table. In truth form since the arrival of new manager Kenny Jackett seems to have confirmed the only way is up for The Lions.
The Millwall boys may love the fact that nobody likes them, but in truth that title seems to have passed to Leeds and both the Lions and the Saddlers have a common ground….they have both been mucked about by Darren Byfield!!!

Vital Quotes:

Talk from Millwall has been about last saturdays 3-2 home defeat by Oldham and the major impact that a certain Mr Friend had on the game, he added to the game by booking no fewer than six millwall players and sending off there striker Simpson for celebrating the equaliser!!!
However talk on some fan sites hope the fighting spirit showed by the Lions following the 38 minute dismisal is the start of a new dawn at the New Den.
Whilst at Walsall Tommy Mooney has been talking up the positive vibe despite the lads feeling 2 points got away last week due to that 92nd minute deflected shot.
DD expects a tough game and I for one don’t think he is wrong.

Walsall Team News:

After weeks of consistancy we have defensive problems. Danny Fox is suspended following his booking for enjoying the opening goal against Leeds. Likely replacement is Paul Boertien but to play him would represent a major gamble. Otherwise it means playing someone out of position and disrupting the team even more, or bringing in a rookie for a debut such as Richard Taundry.
Midfield we are still without Dobbo but coped well to date the selection issues seem to be linked with who is out wide.
Up front Mooney and Ricketts will hope for the service that will enable them to hit the net

Player to watch: Peter Sweeney

The loanee from Stoke started off at Millwall and has a strong connection with the London club…we really need him to show them what they are missing.

Millwall Team News:

Up front Simpson is suspended for this one, so the question is who will partner Will Hoskins. Ex Swansea striker Akinfenwa returned from injury last week and could be given a start or Lions Legend Neil Harris might get the nod. Richard Shaw has returned to the squad along with Danny Brammer but the Lions are still missing Danny Spiller, although Luton Loanee Ahmet Brkovic could bring some creativity alongside the combative Fuseini in midfield.

Player to watch: Will Hoskins

Rotherhams Matty Fryatt left Rotherham for Watford, and as the Millers found life too hot to handle without him. Will has found chances to impress hard to find at Vicarage Road. Hence a spell on loan filling the space left by Darren Byfield, like our Matty Fryatt, Hoskins was prolific in his younger days and can certainly finish well…some at the New Den have questioned his determination and workrate but trust me he can be a match winner on his day.

Match Facts & Stats

Second part of a trilogy the final part been the FA Cup tie in January. Form says it might just be a close run thing this time around.
Latest Results
Millwall 2 – 3 Oldham
Leyton Orient 0 – 1 Millwall
Millwall 2 – 1 Yeovil
Bristol Rovers 2 – 1 Millwall
Millwall 2 – 2 Swansea
Millwall 0 – 1 Hartlepool

Match Prediction:

League table says we should be looking to win games like this but closer inspection shows how close this league is. I can see a draw that will leave many fans disappointed to start the festive period.

Next Fixtures:

Port Fail away on boxing day

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