On paper, this is a game that I would gladly take a point from. Cambridge are an in-form side who are way ahead of the rest of the league when it comes to scoring goals. We have been a bit hit and miss, and we always look like we have a mistake in us. What could possibly go wrong?
Cambridge
Cambridge are a side on fire at the moment. They are 2nd in the league, scoring 19 goals, which is 6 more than the nearest efforts. They are also tight at the back, with a league join lowest of only 5 goals conceded. They have lost only once so far, a 2-0 loss to Exeter. They have picked up some impressive wins along the way this season, with two 5-0’s (against Morecambe and Scunthorpe) as well as wins against league leaders Newport, and a 3-1 against Port Vale.
Top scorer Paul Mullin will be a threat that we will have to keep quiet if we want a successful evening. Mullin is currently on 10 goals, 4 more than anyone else in the league, and is full of confidence. Mullin is rapidly becoming a firm fans favourite, after signing permanently after a loan spell, that was cut short due to the season being curtailed.
Another member of the Cambridge set-up, that is causing a sensation is manager Mark Bonner. Bonner has been at the club for nearly 10 years, and has moved from working with the youth teams, to a first team coach, to taking the top job this year. He was hired in March, and did not manage competitive game until September. Alongside a great league run, Bonner has seen his Cambridge team win 2 from 2 in the EFL Trophy, and they also knocked out Birmingham City in the first round of the Carabao Cup, only to be knocked out by Newport County.
Walsall
I do not know what to expect from the line-up tonight. I hope that we won’t be seeing a 5-3-2 formation, as the times we have played in it, we do not look comfortable. I do not think we will see Holden, due to recent injury problems, however dependant on how severe it was, he may well make the bench. With James Clarke going off injured on Saturday, I doubt we will see him either.
I do expect to see Jules and Osadebe playing, especially with the injuries mentioned. Both have shown promise, and glimpses of what they can do, so I want to see that continue.
I hoping to see a Caolan Lavery full of confidence after bagging a brace at the weekend, and the same with Robbo, who seems to have put the Bradford blunder to bed, after a confident display at Barrow.
One player I want to see a lot more from is Wes. This is a game where he can really show what he can do. We will be able to break quickly, and we will need him there to provide width and creativity too.
The Match
This is going to be a tough game where we see our opponents really get at us. We will need to be resolute, and use our quick players to hit back on the counter. Cambridge have shown they are good in both boxes, so the Saddlers will need to be clinical with the chances that we do get throughout the game.
It is a slightly earlier kick-off time tonight, with a 7pm start. It is a home game, so all the income from match passes sold will benefit the club. iFollow passes will be available until kick-off, so please support the club if you can.
The Walsall Supporters For Change donation page is also available for those wishing to contribute, especially as this is a home game that may have seen fans buying drinks, food, merchandise and other things available. You can donate here – https://t.co/q594af4GP8?amp=1
