Match Thread: Walsall v Port Vale

[TheSage]

We'll need to do our homework and decide how Walsall set up and what's the best way to combat their strengths. I'm sure, as Toyah said, that Smith was preferred on Saturday because of his strength/height against the powerhouse that was Frank Nouble who plays down the left. It was a key decision and worked like a dream. If I remember rightly Walsall have a small quick winger so it might make equal sense to reinstate Gibbons but it's a very difficult decision when you've beaten a good team like Colchester to drop anyone to the bench. Full back is however quite a specialist position and few centre backs can cope there especially if a winger runs at them and we come under some pressure.

But, yes, these are nice decisions to have to make. And as you say on recent form it would be wrong to automatically drop the likes of Browne and Conlon who have both done well, Conlon in particular. When he ups his energy levels and passes forwards instead of backwards he looks twice the player. Because of Cullen's excellent third goal we overlook the fact that Conlon scored a good one himself at the weekend.

We've got most players at the moment playing well at the same time and everyone is giving their all. It makes a massive difference at this level when often in the past we've had only 2-3 8/10s and several only on 5s and 6s. That's changed and with 4-5 lads champing at the bit to get back in it's good news for the last two months. With not much transfer activity and the injuries to Taylor and Oyeleke I thought our chance had gone this season but the squad has amazed me. The manager deserves enormous credit - as do all the players. Regardless of where the journey ends it's been a far better and more enjoyable season than we've had for 3-4 years. I can't stop looking at the Table!

[Guitar Ray]

“If you’re playing like that then you keep your shirt”, is what John said in his post match interview, so changes look unlikely, but we’ll have to wait and see.

[osprey]

Good thing is that we only need 5 more points to be mathematically safe from relegation

[Fosse69]

53 minutes ago, osprey said:

Good thing is that we only need 5 more points to be mathematically safe from relegation

Another 36 points would put us in a strong promotion position😀

[Guitar Ray]

We’ve been picking up a few bookings, anyone know the situation regarding impending bans?  I know Joyce only needs one more yellow before he’s out but who else?  Looking at the fixture list maybe Joyce would be better off getting booked on Saturday and missing a couple of games now before the run in.

[valefan16]

I'd say a minimum of 10 wins would be needed for automatic realistically with 2 of those coming against Crewe and Plymouth, although last season 8 wins and a draw would have done it (79 points) as it stands Plymouth are on course for 86 PPG and taking third spot of Crewe as it stands so even that might not be enough.

73 should be enough for the Play offs currently based on Northampton's PPG (in 8th but have a game in hand) we are currently on course for that over the season, although our current PPG for the second half of the season (last 11 games) is 2.09 which sees us gain 25 more points if we keep the form up (79 points and Play offs secured)

Slight frustration is we are currently in title winning form since Boxing Day and may just miss out on auto on those thrown away games early doors but we've got a chance now to do it the more enjoyable way. Hopefully we can keep this form up starting with this game and get promoted. We are absolutely flying at the moment and long may it continue...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bycars rob]

It will be a tough game on Saturday it always is there and we owe them one for that solitary home defeat.

[PVFC764]

Think I would stay with our current set of 11, depending on injuries.  They seem to have gelled very well and know where each other will be on the pitch and just loft balls in front of them for them to run on to.  Great to see.  

Hard choice for JA and Co to make, do I stick or change it slightly.  What a problem to have lol.  

[The French Connection]

The good thing for me is that Askey doesn't seem to have favourites, and will pick the team he thinks will deliver the goods at Walsall. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of changes.

The other thing is that Vale have definitely drawn attention to themselves and will be a team to beat on the run in. Up till now the pressure has not really been on us, but I think that will have changed now.

[Bald Eagle]

Is there an away fan friendly boozer near to?

[Joe B]

Amoo and Taylor back in training.

This adds onto Pope and Gibbon's suspensions being up, and Oyeleke obviously being healthy.

Could conceivably have a bench of: Maddison, Gibbons, Atkinson, Taylor, Oyeleke, Amoo, Pope.

Then Clark back in time for Scunny.

 

[Howjy04]

8 minutes ago, Joe B said:

Amoo and Taylor back in training.

This adds onto Pope and Gibbon's suspensions being up, and Oyeleke obviously being healthy.

Could conceivably have a bench of: Maddison, Gibbons, Atkinson, Taylor, Oyeleke, Amoo, Pope.

Then Clark back in time for Scunny.

 

Hasn’t Clark got a 3 game ban ,Joe?

[Joe B]

20 minutes ago, Howjy04 said:

Hasn’t Clark got a 3 game ban ,Joe?

Good point

[bycars rob]

19 hours ago, Bald Eagle said:

Is there an away fan friendly boozer near to?

No

[sheffield61]

On 16/02/2020 at 14:00, Doha said:

I’d be disappointed with 1500. 45 minute easy drive and there’s a station right outside the ground. Super fcûking vale away, come on 

Sold out the initial 1,450 allocation, Vale in talks with hell's Walsall now to get a load more....😊😊