Dale v Walsall

[Fedora Dale]

A tricky one.

We've won two out of two in the league and progressed in the cup - but without quite firing on all cylinders yet.

Walsall are tricky opponents, with a decent manager and on a decent run themselves.

Some selection posers for Keith Hill - Tom Kennedy limped off at Blackpool, Michael Rose came on and did well, but we also have Scott Tanser as an option at LB. Rhys Bennett also appeared as a sub at Bloomfield Road, and added some steel to midfield. Then there's Alessandra, RNL and Andrew, who all offer different attacking options, but didn't get off the bench on Saturday.

Possible team:
Lillis
Rafferty-Lancashire-McNulty-Rose
Bennett
Vincenti-Allen-McDermott-Bunney
Henderson

Subs - Diba, Eastham, Tanser, Camps, RNL, Alessandra, Andrew.

We seem to win 2-0 this season - Vincenti and Henderson with the goals seems reasonable.

 

[Saddlerrad]

Well it would be hard not to be positive after the opening week we have had. I just hope that we don't turn up and play as we did against Rochdale in the league last season on a Tuesday night. I didn't go but apparently, that was an almighty humping. At least we right the wrongs in the JPT a few weeks later and then at home in the league game (another Tuesday night). We have started the season well and in Bradshaw we have a consistent scorer (should he not be sold for 8p or pull his hamstring)..

Dale are a good side, who play quick neat football. It's always a difficult game and I fear we may be very leaky at times this season playing wingbacks. I can see goals in the game.

I would very much take a point as I think Dale are play-off darkhorses this year so long as Henderson stays fit and they keep Keith Hill.

2-2, Bradshaw and Demetriou.

204 Saddlers.

 

[Jonny12]

1-1, Bradshaw and Henderson.

Not a clue what system we will play, could be 3 at the back, could be 4 at the back. Thinking about Rochdale's team, it will probably be the 4 with Morris and Lalkovic as the wingers as they have quite decent wingers so our full backs will need more support.

 

[Dale4ever]

Not a great first half. More to Walsalls credit though I think. We need to tinker a little. Vincenti has been off his game all season and tonight has been his worst display so far. I can forgive a dip in form of such an influential player but he needs to sort it soon. Would like to see Alessandra given a chance from the bench tonight.

 

[Dale4ever]

1-0 decent move and goal
2-0 jammy deflection. Game over.

 

[Dale4ever]

Settled in the end by a deflection. Walsall are a good side. Definite dark horses. Not too disheartened. Deserved a draw at least really. Well done Walsall, some terrific last ditch defending.

 

[Saddlerrad]

Well that's an excellent result. Dale like Scunthorpe are my dark horses for 6th place. Rochdale have handed us out a few beatings in recent times especially away from home, it's a game I never feel comfortable in. Sounds like we started both halfs brightly our took our chances when they came. Weathered the storm at the end and Dale were perhaps unlucky not to equalise. Positives all over the place at the minute, finally, Smith has a squad he can rotate and play two different formations in any game he wants with suitable personnel. 2 goals in 2 for Mantom and only 1 of our last 4 goals have come from Bradshaw.

Superb result, it really is. 3 away wins in a week! The big test returns when play at home on Saturday.

 

[SkyBlueElephant]

Well that's an excellent result. Dale like Scunthorpe are my dark horses for 6th place. Rochdale have handed us out a few beatings in recent times especially away from home, it's a game I never feel comfortable in. Sounds like we started both halfs brightly our took our chances when they came. Weathered the storm at the end and Dale were perhaps unlucky not to equalise. Positives all over the place at the minute, finally, Smith has a squad he can rotate and play two different formations in any game he wants with suitable personnel. 2 goals in 2 for Mantom and only 1 of our last 4 goals have come from Bradshaw.

Superb result, it really is. 3 away wins in a week! The big test returns when play at home on Saturday.

Top of the table clash Saturday! Return of the M6 El Clasico