Match thread for Saturday…
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How’s this for negativity:
I reckon we win this even without signing a striker before the game.
Just over 200 sold by Morecambe so far. Maybe they’re as pessimistic as us going into the new season.
Can I be the first to claim 0-0 as a prediction 
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I think we will win 2-0.
Set piece from Allen to McEntee and Gordon scores after 17 mins. His goal celebration will be covering his eyes with both hands.
In the second half, we shall absorb pressure, before a 81st minute breakaway goal from Jellis.
Relax, we’ve got this.
Morecambe will be an incredibly tough opponent and Derek Adams will have them straining at a leash to wreak havoc at the Bescot but I back our boys to have too much for them and a priceless winning start to the season.
A comprehensive 1-0 romp, and a triumph for continuity and steady ships.
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Football returns to the smiling bescot stadium on Saturday with thousands eager to see how Mat Sadlers Strikerless Superstars perform against a Morecambe FC side who have experienced a summer of change.
It seems Morecambe will be much changed from their last visit to the Bescot 6 months ago, with only Welsh winger Gwion Edwards likely to be remaining from that match in which Morecambe were defeated by 3 goals to 0.
Morecambe actually played quite well that game and moved the ball well. I anticipate a different approach from them as they are a new side so wont have developed much understanding so am expecting more attritional defensive football from them on Saturday, but organised as they have an experienced coach in Derek Adams
Dangerman seems to be Ben Tollitt who has scored in pre-season, so must be good.
I expect Walsall to line up 3-5-2
Simkin
McEntee
Farquarson
Allen
Barrett
Stirk
Gordon
Lakin
Gordon
Jellis
Matt
I expect a battle of a game with plenty of long balls and tackles, and an early test for Sadler to see how Walsall can overcome limited but organised opposition. Perhaps Uncle Albert will appear in the 2nd half to unlock their defence.
However we should be too strong for them and our superior energy should see us home 2-0 with goals from Jamille Matt and Jamie Jellis.
UTS!
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My prediction: 5-0 to the Saddlers, with a Gordon hatrick, and two from our new signing. I’ll be there to witness it!
6-0 JG and JM hat tricks
0-0 is my prediction.
1-0 Morecambe josh Gordon own goal
Hotel. To do the headless chicken dance after he scores mocking the Walsall crowd
Matt to be injured by 12 minutes and replaced by new striker signing emile Heskey
Eight predictions so far and seven of those have us keeping a clean sheet 
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Walsall 2 Morecambe 4.
Josh Gordon to score a hat trick.
Just as a source of comparison, Morecambe actually have 5 (five) forwards in their squad:
Charlie Brown (scored 1 in 2 games last season, last time he played more than a handful of games was 20/21 season when he got 3 in 20)
Lee Angol (scored 2 in 26 last season and 2 in 17 previous season)
Jordan Slew (8 in 44 last season, 2 in 18 previous season in NL)
Hallam Hope (3 in 17 last season, 3 in 16 previous season both at NL level)
Saul Fox-Akande (Played 6 minutes of senior football)
Bit of an extreme comparison but personally would much rather we wait out for the right forwards (I grant that Matt and Gordon are marmite players in many fans eyes and disagreed with the re-signing of Matt) than the type Morecambe have had to panic just to put a squad together.
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Yeah, when you compare us to one of the worst sides in the division we don’t look THAT bad.
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Oh come on, CR, that’s just unbelievable! JM won’t be on long enough to get a hat trick!!
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Both better scoring rates than Flush Gordon! Jordan Slew: 8 in 44 - I’d kill for that quality of player at the moment!! I’m still trying to work out why we didn’t offer Kamwa a contract!!
Our version: Hittan Hope - 1 goal in 23!!
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3 in the first 15 mins and then they can take him off mate 
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Sorry I claimed it yesterday on the prediction League 2: 2024-25 Week 1 (Fri 9th Aug & Sat 10th Aug) page