Saddlers Vs Blues - Match Preview

By 4two
August 3 2003

Its Jimmy Walkers testimonial game, and the Saddlers entertain the regions top side - Birmingham City.

Moor Green Vs Saddlers Preview

Saddlers Vs Blues Preview

Date: Tuesday 5th August

Location : Bescot, Walsall

Kick Off: 7:45pm

Saddlers Latest

Match day essentials...
	No news on ticket sales, a rough guess of 7-8000.
	Adults £10, Concessions £5, Family tickets £12.
	Up in the Purple Stand. All fans should be allowed in the Saddlers Club.
	Your standard Bescot grub.

The Last 5 Games.

Birmingham City

Walsall

Ven		Versus		Pos
A	2-4	Burnley	D	-
A	2-0	Port Vale	L	-
A	0-4	Malaysia	W	-
A	1-2	Newcastle	L	-
A	0-4	Burton	W	-

Ven		Versus		Pos
H	2-1	Aston Villa	W	-
A	0-2	Kidderminster	W	-
A	2-0	Northampton	L	-
A	2-0	Hednesford	W	-
A	0-1	Moor Green	W	-

Team News
	None of the big names are carrying injuries, and Bruce is sure to bring a strong team. Whether target Maik Taylor is signed in time to play remains to be seen, if not, Ian Bennett is likley to continue in goal.
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	Jamie Lawrence missed our last game and will hopefully feature this time around. Gary Birch did pick up a knock on Saturday, no news on his fitness as of yet.

One's to Watch.
	This preview doesn't have enough space to pay tribute to Jim Walker. 3 or 4 lines wouldn't do the man justice. Just remember the times when the great man has saved us and guided us to victory.
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	French world cup winner Christophe Duggary is the star of the blues team. He is a real crowd pleaser and favourite with the Blues fans.

The Verdict

This is going to be a competitive testimonial. The likes of Dunn, Savage, Upson and Duggary have proved there worth at the highest level, and will provide the Saddlers with a tougher test than the lackluster Villa did on Saturday.

The Blues have had a challenging build up, and will be well prepared for the task ahead. In Clemence, Savage and Dunn they have 3 quality midfielders all vying for the same position. We passed the ball around well on Saturday, but on Tuesday we face a midfield who will be able to keep the ball just as well.

It will be a good test for our midfield who may have to spend long periods of the game chasing the possesion, rather than dominating it as they have done in other games.

Fans may get the chance to see Michael Johnson, who is a potential Colin Lee target. The Birmingham Mail has linked us to the Jamaican international who is finding it hard to get a regular game at St Andrews.

Stars of the past will be introduced to the crowd at half time, in what should be a great evening for our Jim.

Predication : Saddlers 3-3 Blues.