After an important win at the weekend, Walsall welcome the visit of Tranmere Rovers, in a bid to win back to back games for the first time since December. Tranmere will be wanting to get back to winning ways, after a poor spell by their standards.
Tranmere
Currently sat in 4th place, Tranmere Rovers have slipped out of the top three after failing to win in their last five games. Rovers had been performing well in the league, and the cup, until their EFL Trophy final loss to Sunderland. Since that loss, Tranmere have suffered a Wembley hangover. Although they aren’t losing many games, they have struggled for wins of late, especially against teams lower down the league, like Grimsby, Colchester, and Mansfield.
Despite the recent blip, it has been a strong season by the side, who were relegated last season. An EFL Trophy final, a 3rd Round appearance in the FA Cup, and being in the hunt for the automatic spots is not mean feat. However, they are only 8th in the table for goals scored, and sit middle of the charts for goals conceded. This doesn’t usually seem like a side pushing for an automatic spot, but in recent weeks, one thing has changed.
Leading scorer James Vaughan has been missing through injury since he came off against Leyton Orient at the end of February. He has missed 10 games for Rovers, and the team have only managed 9 goals. The team have a league record of three wins, two losses, and five draws in the league in his absence, seeing them placed 13th in the form table over the last 10 games.
Walsall
5pm Saturday afternoon saw Saddlers fans, players, staff and more all celebrating a long overdue win. The team performed well, and using a mixture of a 4-3-3, and 4-4-1-1 saw them have a more free flowing attack, whilst keeping cover for the defence. This was shown with two goals, which is the first time that the Saddlers have score more than once in a game since their last win, which came against Port Vale in January.
Sam Perry and Rory Holden were key to the win. Holden’s quality on the ball, and ability to find his team mates was extremely important, and something that Walsall have missed since his injury. He displayed a desire to move the ball forward, which was also reflected in Perry’s performance. The young midfielder has slotted into the team like a player beyond his age and experience, which is credit to the coaching team. Alongside Liam Kinsella, he won the ball back several times, and was often the catalyst for the team to drive forward.
Now comes the difficult decision for Dutton. With the side now all but safe from any relegation fears, does he stick with the same team, or try to mix the team around in preparation for next season. With the long awaited win under their belts, fans would rather see the successful formula continue, even just for a couple of games.
