Walsall's Vital month -February

Arguments over points targets for promotion and play off places not to mention championships are taking place on the message boards all across the net. The only thing that seems to be certain is that a larger than normal total might be required. Some argue that 96 for the title and 87 for automatic promotion, so that's a long way to go for everyone.

This month, Walsall face a tough time, starting with Rochdale at home who have been in good form of late and put MK Dons to the sword last week 5-0. Trips to in form and promotion chasing Hartlepool and Stockport are either side a visit from Lincoln City, before we finally end the month with Barnet coming to Bescot.

A tough call, and our rivals will be hoping to see us drop points. In those five games any points taken off our rivals will be most gratefully accepted but the real aim is to keep our average of 2 points per game. So 10 points, to me that seems too much to ask three wins and a draw.

So whilst we are trying to grind out results what will our rivals get. Well second place Swindon Host Hartlepool on saturday, before playing Rochdale at Spotland. Then home games with Darlington and Chester either side a visit to Barnet. Nine to twelve points I would expect.

Lincoln have an easy time of it, visiting Bescot been the toughest game along side Hereford and Torquay visiting Sincil bank and The Imps going to Accrington Stanley and Notts County. Once again you would not be shocked by a 12 point haul.

MK Dons have an easy month too. The loss of Izale Mc Clown due to suspension has been softened by the signing of Leon Knight. Easy games compared to some sees them visit Notts County,Bristol Rovers, Bury, whilst Mansfield and Macclesfield visit the NHS. 13pts or even a full house of 15 points wouldn't shock anyone.

Finally Hartlepool, A tough start to the month with a visit to Swindon and then entertaining Walsall is softened by trips to Torquay and Boston, with Macclesfield visiting Hartlepool. No matter what happens in the Walsall and Swindon games a nine point minimum haul is on the cards.

So as we leave February and go into March things could be a lot tighter at the top, with the saddler possible losing ground. As MK Dons especially gain ground. The top five are creating a mini league all of there own. Play offs for two of them would be disaster as confidence and momentum may well lie with the teams finishing 6th and 7th

Nail bitting times, valium required by April for sure.

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