In the second of his new weekly articles Bescot Banter columnist Scott Brotherton takes a look at Walsall's festive schedule and ponders where it could lead.The Saddlers had some horrible fixtures to start the season. Dean Smith’s side have already travelled to table-topping Leyton Orient, as well as facing rivals Wolves at the Molineux in league and cup. In fact they played five of the current top six in their first nine games; a tough test for anyone.
So for Walsall to still be within touching distance of the play-offs after such a testing start is a great achievement. However, now comes a run of games where they will either cement their play-off credentials or show that it was a good start and nothing more.
The solid 2-0 win over Carlisle was the perfect way to begin the festive period and the next five games are crucial. All five teams are bottom-half opposition: Bristol City, Gillingham, Sheffield United, Tranmere and Oldham.
Deano’s men have always seemed capable of raising their game against the big teams. They’ve beaten Wolves and were the team to end Orient’s 100% start to the season, not forgetting the televised triumph over Peterborough as well.
It’s not just this campaign, Walsall have always thrived on going up against the best. There was their heroic win over Southampton in the middle of the Saints’ rise back to the Premier League, as well as the improbable victory against Leeds at Elland Road. And who can forget the unbelievable 4-1 win over West Brom on the opening day of the 2003/04 season?
The problem has always been beating the lower teams in the league. The Saddlers haven’t been consistent performers for a while and there is nothing more frustrating than beating the league leaders before succumbing to the basement-dwellers.
The upcoming five fixtures are a real test of their mettle. If they get a decent return of points, three wins and two draws let’s say, Walsall should move just inside of the top six.
If they can win the majority of these so-called ‘easy’ games then the Saddlers will have to be taken as serious contenders for a play-off spot. We will wait and see if they can step up to the plate over Christmas and the New Year.
By: Scott Brotherton