New Signings To Kickstart Season

By OneNil
September 26 2003

The Saddlers will be hoping to end a run of four successive defeats at home to Preston tomorrow. New loan signings O'Neil and Baird look set for debuts.

Saddlers Vs Preston Preview

Saddlers Vs Preston Preview

Date: Saturday 27th September

Location : Bescot

Kick Off: 3:00pm

Saddlers Latest

Match day essentials...
	After three successive away games, the Saddlers are back at Bescot and today's double swoop has increased optimism in the town. A crowd of around 8000 would be a decent turn out.
	Get to the ground in plenty of time to avoid any big queues at the ticket offices.
	Usual places for home fans. Away fans may be able to use the supporters club. Otherwise try The George, Tiger, Bell or somewhere in town.
	Usual footie food.
	Trains from Birmingham New Street and Walsall serve Bescot Stadium Station.
	M6 J9 for Wednesbury. Follow the signs for the Bescot.

Saddlers Wins

Draws

Preston

Last Meeting

Preston	5-0	Walsall
Walsall slumped to a dire defeat at Deepdale last March, George Koumantarakis netting twice.

Team News.
	Craig Brown looks set to be without star turn Ricardo Fuller. The Jamaican forward has a swollen knee. George Koumantarakis (calf), Eddie Lewis and Claude Davis (both knee) are all out while Graham Alexander is suspended.
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	Danny Hay, Mark Wright and Pedro Matias (ankle), Darren Wrack (calf) and Ian Roper (groin) are all out. Colin Lee has vowed to make changes after four defeats in a row; new loan signings Gary O'Neil and Chris Baird are set for debuts.

One's to Watch.
	Baird and O'Neil are both young internationals looking for a bit of first team experience. The pair have bright futures ahead and their signings are sure to boost the moral of Colin Lee's underachieving side.
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	Preston have netted eight times in their last two games so Walsall's defence will have to be on guard tomorrow. With top scorer Ricardo Fuller injured, the focus will fall on Richard Cresswell and David Healy. Both have Premiership experience - with Leicester and Manchester United respectively - and will be hungry for goals tomorrow.

The Verdict

North End have netted four in each of their last two games - both at Deepdale. Their away form is less than convincing and they were beaten by both Bradford and Stoke in their last two away trips. Walsall meanwhile are enduring a terrible run of form and will be hungry to put things right in front of the Bescot faithful. New loan signings Chris Baird and Gary O'Neil look set for debuts and could just inspire the Sadlers to only their second win of the season.

Prediction : Walsall 2-1 Preston