The return of Lee Hughes to the Midlands and the appearance of Micheal Rickets in an Oldham shirt not only overshadow the family fun day that is planned for the Banks’s (12.30 start)but it is also in danager of over shadowing the game which despite the early date could be crucial in the season of both teams. Oldham having won on the opening day against Swansea have since faced some good teams and in the process failed to pick up another win to see them slump to the bottom of the table, hitting rock bottom with a 1-0 home defeat against 10 man southend last staurday. Whilst the Saddlers have picked up four points from the last two games including our first win last saturday, Oldham will go above us if they win…vital for both teams this one.
Vital Quotes:
Oldham manager John Sheridan reacted to the growing pressure with a scathing attack on his players following last saturdays defeat saying none of them had earnt the right to play against Walsall. Was it just a kick up the backside or an indication changes are a foot.
The Walsall camp has seen a rebirth of confidence after our 2-1 win at the Den, Walsall goalscorer Troy Deeney hopes to grab a starting spot stacking his claim with two more goals in the reserves. DD says he is knocking at the door, although the boss rates the Oldham team highly he also feels that if we can get the Butler Mooney combination on th pitch for the first time saturday that they will be a handful for any defence.
Walsall Team News:
Despite his appearance at Wracky’s do on wednesday Picken is still missing. Ian Roper who cme off on saturday should be fit, but left back Paul Boertein is ruled out with a training ground knee injury, Fox Ishmel and youngster Sansara are viving to start. Midfielder Micheal Dobson will face a late check following the death of his father, as will forward Tommy Mooney following his calf injury. Midfield is a concern and we have decisions to make all over the field.
Player to watch: Darren Wrack
Big season for Darren in more than one sense, if he is to make a midfield role his this season he needs to follow up his controling performance on saturday with another.
Oldham Athletic Team News:
To change or not too change that is the question. In a poor first half last season the Oldham players failed to impress and although they improved in the second half the manager isn’t happy some of the fringe player may come in. Ruben Hazel who was once keen on a move to Walsall may start in defence. Make no mistake Oldham have the players to win this game and they really should be making an impression at the top half of the table not the bottom, just look at the forwards Hughes, Ricketts and ex dingle Davis the man from Verona any one of those would get into most league one forward lines.
Player to watch: Micheal Rickets
One time Walsall hero, mismanaged to Walsall zero and tagged Judas before his 500k move to Bolton and promotion winning season which earnt him his England cap, Then it all went wrong at Boro, Southend and Preston. Last chance saloon at Oldham where the wage was better than anything else on offer. One sad note is according to some Oldham reports he still doesn’t look fit…same old story then.
Match Facts & Stats
Following our 3-1 promotion winning performance against Oldham many moons ago, Oldham have been a tough nut to crack as we slid down the divisons
Ref Watch:
It’s not good read the front page story.
Match Prediction:
We need a win but I can’t see it surely Oldham must react to last weeks poor showing 1-2 to Oldham
Next Fixtures:
Vist to old friends on saturday as we go to Hartlepool, can they avenge the title we took off them last season, or can we avenge the defeat there which almost gave them the title!!!
