Bradford City vs Walsall - Preview

By Neil Ravenscroft
December 10 2004

Normally, of course, a trip to Bradford City while attempting to get your fourth win on the bounce would be a daunting proposition. This week it's more likely to be a puzzling one, as no one knows which Bradford and which Saddlers teams are going to turn up for the fixture!

Walsall have now won three games back to back for the first time since the local T.Rex won the fixtures against several smaller dinosaurs in 65 million BC. However, the performances were far from convincing against prime relegation candidates Peterborough, dead certain relegation candidates Stockport and a Hartlepool side that, when away from the cold inhospitable and desolate North East coast, couldn't beat the Long John Silver Impersonators in the famous Monty Python sketch. No reason for optimism then, against a team in fifth place?

Well, funnily enough, there might be. Bradford have so far this season, been a model of consistency. They started off consistently bad, as they struggled to come to terms with the Division, then they were consistently good, as they climbed into the play off spots, but are now, hopefully, being consistently bad again, as they have lost the last two games.

Walsall's main selection dilemmas concern the return of Neil Emblen, following his one match ban, and the strikers. Roper and Bennett did OK in the middle of defence on Tuesday, but they remain unconvincing together and I would expect Emblen and Bennett to resume their blossoming partnership. Up front, Matt Fryatt's return would have been expected following his dramatic substitute appearance on Tuesday, but Merson on the radio yesterday was talking of the need to "wrap him up in cotton wool" and use him from the bench more, because of his youth, so that's anyone's guess. New signing Marvin Robinson may also play some part, as Bradford are a team he has already scored against this season, on his debut for Rushden.
Michael Standing is one player who will be eager to play and make an impression against his former club, but Paston isn't likely to get the same chance, unless something happens to Murphy!
The main injury problems are the missing Kris Taylor and the long term absentees McKinney and Willetts. As far as we know, there are no other problems, as Merson's calf problem is supposed to be minor and likely to have cleared up, as it did for Tuesday’s game.

As for Bradford, they are missing the speedy Zema Abbey and the vastly experienced Dean Windass up front and will be relying on inexperienced forwards Danny Forrest and Michael Symes. They will, however, also welcome back the dangerous Summerbee from suspension, so Zigor needs to be on his mettle to cut down the crosses from the right wing!

My prediction? I have a feeling for a score draw on this one. 1 – 1.