Bournemouth.  An away trip that conjures up the best in seaside memories for Saddlers fans.  Unfortunately it’s in the middle of England’s Costa Del Crustie, and most of the youth is trying to move elsewhere - generally Southampton or London, leaving a rather genteel Victorian atmosphere and elderly population.  None of this should deter our fans from attending a seaside special, with football, pubs, clubs and Monkeyworld on the agenda for this special away game.

The upside of this away trip is that the Cherries are without half their squad through injury, although they’re trickling back in dribs and drabs.  What should worry us is the fact that their club chairman has only this week offered his manager his full support; the kiss of death to both manager and visitors, historically.  Sadly for AFCB he probably means it, as they’ve only got 12 available first team players up, and have less money than a Brummie tramp for replacements.  Big Issue ought to be the name of their fanzine.

On the Walsall front, pretty much everyone’s available including, after his recent injury, Asbo.  He’d better remember to set his alarm if he wants to be considered.  Definitely still out are Carneiro and Boertein (both 4 - 6 weeks away from consideration), and although Picken may make a surprise appearance on the bench, we’d expect the same squad to be announced that lost to Sarfend last week.

Bournemouth are rooted to the bottom of the table, and Walsall’s away form suggests that a 3 point haul ought to be a formality.  Being long-term  supporters, the front page team knows this is no certainty.  It’s difficult to pop a Cherry at the best of times - let’s hope our side can manage it in the 90 minutes available.