Merson at the Crossroads.

Newly promoted Scunthorpe, under experienced manager and former Forest star Brian Laws, have been one of the surprise packages in Division 1 so far this season. They are lying in fifth position at the moment, having won 5, drawn 2 and lost only 2 of their games so far. A large part of their success is down to their home record, having won 4 and drawn 1 of their last six. It hardly seems like the best of games for Walsall to get their season back on track, even if the Manager has said that he’s “quietly confident”!

The problem with doing Walsall match previews at the moment is that no one has the slightest idea of what eleven will be starting and what formation we will be playing. Walsall will, of course, be missing long term injury victims Wrack, Oakes and Taylor (although he is now approaching fitness), but will welcome back injury victim Staunton and the suspended Bennett.

Everton ‘keeper Ruddy is certain to make his debut and Merson has been hinting that he will play himself (his exact quote was “I’ve never ducked a challenge in my life. Don’t be surprised if I’m in the team on Saturday.”), so I’m half expecting a 3 5 2 of Ruddy, Pead, Westwood, Gerrard, Staunton, Fox, Osborn, Smith, Standing, Merson and Fryatt, but it’s basically anyone’s guess!

Scunthorpe’s main injury problems so far have concerned defenders Andy Butler and Lee Ridley, but both have been targeting this game for their returns, so the Iron’s line up may also show changes from their last outing. Their top scorer is former Sheffield United youngster Billy Sharp, with four goals, but most eyes will be on their 39 year-old veteran winger Peter Beagrie, who, even at his age, is likely to give the Saddlers’ right back a close examination, so Pead, if it is he, will get another lesson in his development as a full back.

Predictions? You must be joking, as anything could happen with this Walsall team! Merson is promising a tighter ship, having said that he is looking to start holding onto leads when we get them, which is ironic in view of the fact that many fans originally welcomed his appointment because we wouldn’t be playing those kind of tactics. Still, needs must where the devil drives and the rot has to be stopped now before the player manager is forced to learn the way to the Sutton Coldfield job centre, something which, judging by the reaction of the fans following the home debacle against Chesterfield, may not be far away. Such is the charisma of the man, however, and the amount of goodwill he has received from Saddlers, that he is also only a couple of good results away from forgiveness. He stands at the crossroads indeed.