So Dean Kents..Keats…Keates is still here for now and all eyes turn to a small matter of a local derby against Coventry this weekend.
With the Saddlers sinking faster than the Titanic we NEED to get something from this game. Teams around us have games in hand and argubaly an easier run in than us so these are the games we need to be picking up points. I said that about Wimbledon, Blackpool, Rochdale, Plymouth etc etc…
TEAM NEWS
COVENTRY
Coventry have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game with former Saddlers Jordy Hiwula and Ama Bakayoko set to lead the line.
WALSALL
The Saddlers are still sweating on the injuries to George Dobson and Morgan Ferrier who both missed Tuesday nights defeat to Wimbledon. Keates did state that Ferrier’s hamstring injury will keep him out longer than Dobson.
LIKELY LINE UPS?
Picking the Walsall line up lately is like picking the winning numbers on the lottery but here goes…
Coventry – Stockdale, Sterling, Willis, Hyam, Mason, Kelly, Bayliss, Thomas, Enobakhare, Hiwula, Bakayoko
Walsall – Roberts, Norman, Guthrie, Scarr, Leahy, Kinsella, Devlin, Edwards, Dobson, Jarvis, Cook
ONES TO WATCH
AMA BAKAYOKO
If there is one player you dont want to face when it seems everything against you is a former player with a point to prove.
Baka was given a fair old amount of stick whilst he was here and despite a move to kick start his career he has failed to shine at Coventry so far – but you just know if anyone scores this weekend it will be him.
ANDY COOK (WALSALL)
There is literally no one else in the squad you can count on to step up when it matters and despite not scoring for the past three games, Cookie still remains our biggest threat.
PAST MEETINGS
This will be the 53rd meeting between both sides – Coventry winning twenty-two, Walsall winning fifteen and drawing fifteen
The last time both sides met at Ricoh was in 2017 where a George Thomas goal was enough for the Sky Blues to earn bragging rights.
The last time the Saddlers won at Coventry came in 1984 – where we beat them 3-0 away.
Our last five away games v Coventry
22.04.17 – Coventry 1-0 Walsall
12.01.16 – Coventry 1-1 Walsall
29.11.14 – Coventry 0-0 Walsall
05.03.14 – Coventry 2-1 Walsall
08.12.12 – Coventry 5-1 Walsall
MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE – ANTHONY BACKHOUSE
LINESMEN – Alan Clayton and Stuart Butler
FOURTH OFFICIAL – Alix Pashley
Backhouse is currently in his second season as a professional referee following his promotion from non-league at the beginning of last season.
He has officiated thirty games so far this season, dishing out eight-five yellow cards and five reds.
He has yet to officiate a game involving the Saddlers.
MATCH PREDICTION
Tuesday’s game was a must win, we lost. This Saturday is a must not lose game. Grab a point at Coventry and then try and use it to motivate us for the next few weeks. However given our current form and our record at Coventry it doesn’t bode well and a fifth straight L should be coming our way.
VITAL PREDICTION – COVENTRY 2-1 WALSALL
UP NEXT
Saturday 23rd February
Sky Bet League 1
WALSALL v Bradford
