For what seems the umpteenth time this season, Walsall go into a crucial game with the Manager saying he’s confident we will do well, despite our appalling away record. Whether that is the case or not, it would seem that Merson’s future is yet again hanging in the balance.

So what do Swindon look like? Well, their leading scorer this season is the dangerous Sam Parkin, with 22 goals, but Parkin has himself said that when he doesn’t score the team doesn’t seem to. Until this week, they were still in with an outside chance of the play-offs, but that seems to be out of the question following their 3 – 0 defeat at Hartlepool last time out.

Manager Andy King has no injury worries at all, with the return of defender Steve Jenkins, who was missing last week with illness, although one question to ponder is the possible effects of Assistant Manager Mick Harford leaving to take over the top job at Rotherham earlier this week.

As for the Saddlers, the defence looks a little thin on the ground, as Neil Emblen is doubtful with a groin strain and will face a late fitness test and Julian Bennett is, of course, out for the rest of the season. If Emblen doesn’t make it, the defence, presumably, picks itself, with Wright or Pead, Gerrard, Roper and Perpetuini.

Mark Kinsella will probably be on the bench after his two month lay off with ankle ligament damage, as the 90 minutes he played for the reserves in the week won’t have got him match fit. Merson himself is still suffering from the bruised ankle that needed pain-killing injections to allow him to turn out against Torquay United last weekend and that may restrict his appearance. The shape of the midfield is anyone’s guess, however, with Wright, Wrack, Osborn, Standing, Kris Taylor and Surman all vying for a place and even Joe “Two More Years” Broad coming into contention.

Matt Fryatt will be hoping to start up front, following his goal from off the bench last week, but, if the “away” 4 5 1 formation returns, he will probably be a sub, as Merson has already said Joachim will play as it “suits his style” away from home.

So, what about a prediction? Swindon’s home record is better than our own, being:

P 19, W 11, D 3, L 5, Points 36.

Walsall have, of course, the worst away record in the Division and one of the worst in the entire football league. We are low on confidence, short of defenders and unsure of our best tactics and formation. We leak bad goals and have stopped scoring them at the other end. We should get well and truly stuffed. Which means, of course, a fighting 1 – 0 to the Saddlers.