Walsall v Rochdale

At this time of the season there are no easy games as teams fight for play off's and promotion, or to move away from relegation struggles. The visit of Rochdale proves the point, sitting just above the relegation zone they are still basking in the glory of last weeks 5-0 thumping of MK Dons. There confidence will be high, and they need the points as much as we do albeit for different reasons. They have been on a recent run of good form so saturdays game will be more even than many would have hoped for given the league positions.

DD is under no illusion he has spoken in the press of the fact that there are no easy games at the moment. Dean Keates also spoke of the need to ensure the team are up for the challenge.
I do feel that complacency was a factor in the Boston and Mansfield results.
The noise from Rochdale includes an interview with a new signing....
After making his debut in Rochdale's 5-0 thumping of MK Dons last weekend, Rory Prendergast wants his new side to win points at Walsall. Speaking to www.rochdaleafc.co.uk he said:


"It was a great feeling to beat MK Dons but that is now history and we've got to focus on doing the same to Walsall. Despite the difference in league positions we'll go there full of confidence, looking to turn them over and I fully believe we can.

We showed last weekend what a good footballing team we are and Walsall will be aware of this. We won't be frightened or intimidated at all and we'll go there looking for 3 points."

Prendergast who signed an 18-month contract with the club marked his debut with a goal last week.

Roper is out, and Alan Picken is short of match fitness so Gerrard and Dann look favorites to start in the centre of defence. All options are open in midfield and it very much depends on how DD decides to play it.
Butler who came off against Macclesfield with a sickness bug will be monitored although recovered these things tend to leave you feeling weak, also lets hope he hasn't passed it around.
Hector Sam who also had to come off in the same game should be fit and ready to go.
It may well be the same side that beat Macclesfield but I for one would like to see a little more flair at home.

After his 18month lay off following the leg break then a couple of minor injuries. Darren returned against Macclesfield and performed well he will be hoping for another chance to impress. His ability to pick a pass may unlock a defence for the attackers.

Confidence is high after last weeks win. No fresh injury news has come out of Spotland but I will update if any comes to light. Erine Cooksey has left on deadline day and in comes Swindon midfield/defender Charlie Comyn-Platt.
Read the match report on the MK Dons game
http://www.rochdale.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=49023

Stole the show against the Dons, he has seemed to rediscovered his goalscoring touch that brought him to the fore at Stockport, If we give him a chance it could well end up in the net.

Latest Results
Rochdale 5 - 0 MK Dons
Rochdale 0 - 1 Bristol Rovers
Wycombe 1 - 1 Rochdale
Grimsby 0 - 4 Rochdale
Rochdale 4 - 0 Boston
Rochdale 2 - 2 Wrexham


All time results between Walsall and Rochdale
Walsall winsdraws rochdale wins
League 18 11 18
FA Cup 1 0 0
Total 19 11 18


last 6 results of this fixture

Football League Two Walsall 0-0 Rochdale 15-04-1995
English FA Cup Walsall 3-0 Rochdale 12-11-1994
Football League Two Walsall 1-0 Rochdale 15-01-1994
Football League Two Walsall 3-1 Rochdale 01-05-1993
English Division 4 Walsall 1-3 Rochdale 03-09-1991
English Division 4 Walsall 0-1 Rochdale 16-03-1991

Mr Richard Beeby ...ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH

This could be a good bet for a draw, and a edge of the seat afternoon. But having said that if our attitude is right we should come away with three points.

Away day at the Wharf bar followed by watching Hartlepool v Walsall next saturday 10/2 3pm kick off

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