It’s the LDV Trophy tomorrow night and the question might well be “How Many Will Turn Up?”

The game against Bournemouth is highly unlikely to attract many away fans and the LDV rarely seems to capture the imagination of the punters until the later rounds, so it may well be a case of “spot the crowd”. Saddlers fans will, however, get a chance to see a new signing, so that might make some difference.

After the unusual and unsuccessful experiment with 5 4 1 on Saturday, we can expect a change back to a far more attacking line up for the visit of the Cherries. Craig Pead is available after suspension, but there is no news yet of the possible return of any of the injuries. Merson is surely likely to take the opportunity to give the over tired Demontagnac a rest, so we may well have another strange looking line up. Daryl Taylor is likely to play some part, along with new signing James Constable, so I’d expect a 4 4 2, something like

Murphy, Westwood, Roper, Bennett, Fox, Skora, Pead, Taylor K, Taylor D, Leitao and Fryatt, with Demontagnac, Larrossa, Constable, Gerrard and Gilmartin on the bench. Others who might play a part include Staunton and Sztybel, of course, especially if he decides on the other major option, a 3 5 2.

There is no indication form the opposition camp as to whether they will be fielding a full strength team or not. Certainly, they will likely be without the injured local lad Steven Cooke and midfielder Coutts, who has german measles. Danger man Fletcher may well play some part, however, as he returns from injury.

Ones to watch for the opposition include the man who needs no introduction, Andrew Surman and on loan Pompey striker James Keene, who has just extended his successful loan for another month.

There is no real applicable form guide for this game, as the LDV seems to have its own rules, but, while we had a bye into this round, the Cherries beat Conference side Aldershot 4 – 1, which is no mean feat. Their other cup tie recently, however, was the embarrassment of losing to Tamworth and their defence was looking leaky at the weekend, when they let in four at Doncaster.

Predictions? In the LDV? You’ve got to be joking. Should be a home win, but a freezing cold night in a second rate competition? It might well be whoever is most “up for it”.

Murphy to Stay

Meanwhile, the club are about to announce that Sunderland have agreed a two month extension to Joe Murphy’s loan, taking that up until January the 21st. As with all long term loans, however, they will have an instant 24 hour recall option.