Normally, a trip to Brighton would be reason for plenty of “gay capital of Britain” jokes and a few below the belt quips about their completely inadequate and farcical temporary (of sorts) home at the Withdean.

This week however, Saddlers fans should be contemplating whether this might be a pivotal point in the fortunes of the club this season. According to research done by Bernie, a regular contributor to the message board, last week saw us equal a club record and, if we concede again this week, it will be a whole twenty game since our last clean sheet.

Of course, you can argue that it doesn’t matter when your strike force and midfield fires as it did last Saturday, but, as I said in the Walsall Observer Column this week, scoring goals might win you matches, but it’s the ability to keep them out when your attack misfires that wins you promotions.

One consistent complaint this season has been the lack of a balanced midfield, something which was addressed through circumstance at the Bristol Rovers, where the Taundry/Mattis combination worked well. One defensive player and one attacking is the answer. Now we need to defend far better as a unit than we have so far this season, and then optimism might not be misplaced (at least until the January sales!).

Mullen, reportedly, will have all of his outfield players available for the first time this season. That should mean a back line of Ince, Weston, Gerrard, Roberts and Boertien.

Up front, Ricketts and Iberhe pick themselves at the moment, which leaves the choices all being in midfield.

Reich right or left? Nicholls or Deeney? Taundry or Hughes? Bradley or Mattis? (At least, I hope that’s the choice!), Demontagnac, or Zaaboub, or Reich? Time will tell, but you do have to wonder how good our summer re-building was when there is so little competition at the back and up front, ye so much in midfield.

Brighton are without Colin Hawkins, Kevin McLeod and Joe Anyinsah while the vital Nicky Forster is a doubt.

Centre-half Hawkins (hernia) and winger McLeod (knee) underwent operations this week and the Seagulls do not yet know how long they will be missing.

On-loan Preston winger Anyinsah was sent off on his debut at Yeovil last week and serves a one-match ban while striker and captain Forster suffered a dead leg at Huish Park.

Joel Lynch is fit after a calf problem and should deputise for Hawkins against the Saddlers, while Jake Robinson could start on the wing after overcoming concussion.

Adam Virgo, who has been used predominantly in midfield this season, could fill in at the back or up front while Gary Hart is also in contention for a striking berth.

Predictions?

The side will be brimming with confidence after last week and the two teams have very similar records this season (they are just one point behind us), but they have already suffered one hammering at home this month, losing 1 – 4 to Scunthorpe. A lot will depend on the fitness of Forster, but, if he is absent, I think we might just manage that elusive clean sheet and an away win.