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Walsall visit Swansea

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Swansea is 151 miles and about 2 hours and 36 minutes away. However in footballing terms they are a million miles away. Whilst Walsall have recruited the so called ‘Dads Army’ Swansea managed by ex Walsall player Roberto Martinez have the luxary of been involved in deals involving transfer fees. Although one has seen Lee Trundle make the move away from Swansea and into the Championship. The Swans intend to follow their favorite son to the promised land this season. Some have sugested that the Swans may view this game as a bit of a distraction, I think it is more likely that they will view it as an easy chance to progress into the next round.
Despite us sharing league status with the Swans be under no illusion we are the under dogs for this one.

Vital Quotes:

Despite there 2-1 defeat at Oldham on saturday things are not all doom and gloom at the Liberty stadium.
Roberto Martinez told BBC sport after the game…
‘There were many positives. We stamped authority and controlled the tempo of the game, but they took their chances.

‘The squad has gelled quickly and if we play like that the points will follow.’

‘Jason Scotland’s finish was fantastic and he held the ball really well with Darryl Duffy, their partnership up front was brilliant at times,’
Whilst new striker Jason Scotland who marked his debut with the Swans goal said…
‘I’m very pleased to get off the mark on my debut, that’s a positive,’

‘But it’s disappointing that we didn’t win the game, everyone’s a bit down as we felt we deserved at least a point.

‘But we welcome Walsall in the Carling Cup on Tuesday then there’s a big game with Nottingham Forest at the Liberty Stadium next Saturday, so we have to pick ourselves up quickly.’
However perhaps the views of Oldham manager John Sheridan gives a true estimate of the task ahead of us….
‘We were lucky. Swanea passed the ball well and looked a very good side.

‘We didn’t play well but we won the game against a better team. I have a lot of new faces in my side and it is going to take time to get used to each other.

‘The main thing was to get three points and be off to a good start.

‘It’s not a bad habit playing poorly and winning games but I know we can improve.’

So from Walsall a quiet determination that things are not going to be as one sided as it seems from the outside.

Swansea Team News:

Swansea have Darren Way , Garry Monk and Owain Tudur Jones still to come back of injury. However other than that they will be at full strength. They have a strong all round look with Lawerence at the back, he is sure to be a mountain which our strikers have to overcome if we are to succeed. I would also say that Britton on the wing may cause us some problems. However the main problems will be the twin strike partnership of Jason Scotland and the much sort after Duffy.

Player to watch: Daryl Duffy

Whilst his strike partner Jason Scotland took the plaudits against Oldham, the young striker will be looking to be the star turn on tuesday night.
He came to promince last season whilst on loan from Hull at our championship rivals Hartlepool, The summer saw his value rise as a number of clubs were after his signiture. In the end he saw his future as a Swan, but lets hope Scott can clip his wings tonight.

Walsall Team News:

For so early in the season thngs are not look too rosey. Ishmel Demontagnac is still suspended, and ex Cardiff man Rhys Weston is out with a calf strain as is centre half Alan Picken. Winger Mr Sunshine (Sonko)has a back injury and again will be missing. Whilst rumours are a foot conserning Martin Butlers virus and is it really I want away sickness. Even more concerning is the fact that his replacement Carlos Carniero has broken his arm. I don’t know if this is true or not, or if it means he will be able to play in a light weight cast or he is ruled out for a long period…we will find out tonight. So we may get to see some of the kids tonight.

Player to watch: Scott Dann

In defence we trust, well tonight we may well need too. Scott kept Marlon Harewood in his pocket second half last tuesday he will need to repeat that performance today.

Match Facts & Stats

Last vist saw Swansea progress in the JPT on penalties as they underestimated the task ahead of them, I expect they won’t do the same this time around.

Next Fixtures:

Walsall face a team who I fancy maybe the suprise team of league One this season Leyton Orient on saturday. Kick off will be 3pm at the Matchroom stadium…it’s still Brisbane Road to me.

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