Getting the obvious out of the way first, our 6-point cushion at the top of the League 2 table means that we’ll not only be top at Christmas, but top to start 2025 as well even if we lose twice! Strange times indeed…
This game is a real 6-pointer too, as Doncaster Rovers sit handily placed 3rd in the table just one point below Port Vale. Their current form is probably best described as “patchy”, and there are some comments on the Vikings board previewing this match that they really must stop displaying “schoolboy level” finishing, and inconsistent form even within the same game. You can get some idea of their current performances -
November 16th Salford City (H) Drew 1-1
November 23rd Carlisle Utd (A) Drew 0-0
December 4th Fleetwood Tn (A) Won 2-4
December 7th Cheltenham Tn (H) Drew 2-2
December 14th AFC Wimbledon (A) Lost 1-0
December 21st Tranmere Rvrs (H) Won 3-1 (Tranmere with 10 men from 54min)
Of their current squad attention should be paid to Billy Sharp … if you thought Uncle Albert’s age might be against him, Sharp is more than his equal - aged 38, with 745 appearances and 282 goals to his name. Their defence looks to be on the tall side with goalkeeper Ian Lawlor (6’4") only marginally taller than captain Richard Wood (6’3"). Our two clubs have shared some managers, with Sean O’Driscoll (plus Richard O’Kelly as his assistant), not forgetting our captain supreme Andy Butler who managed the Vikings on a caretaker basis for a while and is currently in charge at Scunthorpe United.
In view of the mixed messages regarding Nathan Lowe’s immediate future (will he stay, willhe go?) it may well be that the next two games (this one and Newport County) could be our last opportunity to see him in Walsall’s colours. Fortunately Mat Sadler will have JamilleMatt available for selection following his one match suspension, to lend his invaluable support to Lowe. Positive noises are also being made about Brandon Comley’s return to action in the near future, albeit possibly assisted by some sort of face mask.
Prediction? I usually get things hopelessly wrong at this stage of most previews, but I must confess to being a little apprehensive - Doncaster Rovers are no mugs as their League 2 position confirms, and I’d be happy with a point from this game (say 1-1) as long as Port Vale don’t leave Valley Parade with 3 points!!
All the ingredients of a Christmas cracker in front of a very healthy attendance.
On the attendance - if you want to sit in the lower or middle probably best you get your skates on - especially if you want a few together. I’ve no doubt these areas together with the middle three sections of the main stand will sell out. Family Stand looking like the only one where you can still more or less take your pick.
The game will be tight. But I fancy us against anyone just now. I’m going to agree with @Andy_Petterson and say:
Watching us at Harrogate and playing in dreadful conditions the saddlers actually produced some decent football which is testament to the skill togetherness and sheer determination that every single player gives no matter who the opposition are.
They aren’t going to win every game but I’m absolutely convinced this Walsall side is a handful for any opposing team in league two.
I hope we pack the ground out creating the atmosphere the players can tap into and come the final whistle it’s yet another three points in the bag.
Not many Boxing Day games have been memorable for the quality on offer or the excitement. The last minute winner v Sheffield Wednesday comes to my mind, but not many others. I will hope for a comfortable win but will take a draw I think.
Unlike Boxing Days at Fellows Park where those that had consumed copious amounts of mild in addition to Christmas sprouts etc produced lots of wind, some of which sounded distinctly wet. Fortunately there was usually enough Christmas cigar smoke to neutralise the evidence.
I some how ended up watching that game from one of the boxes. I almost jumped through the window when it went in. Probably the best Boxing Day smash and grab I can remember. I flew home the next day and left my program on the plane. They wouldn’t let me re-board so I told the flight crew I had left vital medication on board so on I went. Gutted I’m missing this Boxing Day but plan on being back in Feb for the Chesterfield game… It will probably get snowed out knowing my luck.
I don’t think you’ll be far off with that attendance. Might even be a few more. There’s been a fair bit of movement over the past 24 hours. Only 43 seats left in the middle - all singles. More seats a shifting in the upper now.
My dad and his mates never smoked but if we were at home on Boxing Day they’d partake in the odd cigar. As would others. There was a distinct “Christmas smell” at Boxing Day fixtures at Fellows Park. Partly cigars, pipes and fags but @geordiesaddler ’s memories also playing into there being “something in the air”.
