Bescot Banter columnist Sam Wright previews Walsall's upcoming home tie with Carlisle United;
Walsall go into tomorrow’s NPower League 1 clash with Carlisle still in good form, but determined to bounce back after a harsh defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient in the week. However there were bright sparks, such as the return of Fabian Brandy who looked lively. Smith, for the first time in a long time, may have a full squad to pick from, as the injuries of both Chambers twins are expected to be assessed today (Friday). We will have to perform better in the first half if we are to come away with more than the same result as midweek.
Walsall go into tomorrow’s NPower League 1 clash with Carlisle still in good form, but determined to bounce back after a harsh defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient in the week. However there were bright sparks, such as the return of Fabian Brandy who looked lively. Smith, for the first time in a long time, may have a full squad to pick from, as the injuries of both Chambers twins are expected to be assessed today (Friday). We will have to perform better in the first half if we are to come away with more than the same result as midweek.
However, Carlisle, on paper, looks like a rather ordinary
challenge. They have spent the season so far languishing in mid table, and
suffered a 2-0 defeat the Crawley in their last game. One advantage they will
have is that they are much fresher than the Saddlers at the moment, after their
game with Bury midweek was called off, meaning they have not played for 10 days
now. However they are not to be underestimated and have pulled off some good
results this season, such as a 4-2 against Pompy. On-loan Huddersfield striker
Kallum Higginbotham may also play and make a first start for Carlisle.
If past form when the Cambrians come to Walsall is anything
to go by, then we should be confident. In the 27 times the sides have met in
the black country Walsall have won 16, scoring at an average of 1.96 goals per
game. Whereas Carlisle have only managed 4 wins, at a rate of less than a goal
a game. Personally I feel we will have a little too much for the Blues on the
day, and although parts of the Orient game were lacklustre, we are still
performing well as a squad and will pull though.