It’s derby day for County and Walsall tomorrow as the Hatters travel to the Bescot in search of their third away win of the campaign.
County are in fact Walsall’s closest game this season – sparking a lot of light-hearted jibes from Walsall fans over a ‘local’ rivalry brewing.
It is one of County’s closest away fixtures in ‘League One South’ this season though, so please try and get yourself down there if you can.
Meanwhile, the administrators have released another statement in light of the recent Football League Meeting.
Here it is:
‘Further to our last statement on 3rd November, we can confirm that a meeting took place earlier this week between representatives of the Football League, Premier Rugby, Stockport County and Sale Sharks. The meeting was very productive in that a number of issues that are key to us being able to conclude a sale were discussed and a way forward agreed.’
“We are now requesting that the interested parties finalise their financial proposals to enable us to conclude a sale of the Club and exit from Administration as quickly as possible.’
At least it sounds remotely positive, but as County fans we know by now not to take everything at face value…
Ah well.
Come on County!
Vital Quotes:
Walsall boss Chris Hutchings: “I did watch their game against Tranmere and they played excellently, they thoroughly deserved the win, it was 1-0 but they could have won by a couple more to be honest.’
“They played a 4-1-4-1 system and basically controlled most of the game.’
“Gary Ablett has gone in there and steadied the ship during a difficult transitional period with new owners going in. But he`s doing a good job and it will be no easy task tomorrow.”
Walsall Team News:
Walsall manager Chris Hutchings will have Clayton McDonald available for the the visit of Stockport to the Banks’ Stadium.
McDonald’s two-month loan spell with the Saddlers ended after last weekend’s FA Cup tie against Stourbridge, but the deal was extended recently.
However, Walsall will be without goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin who is still struggling with a hamstring injury.
Player to watch: Troy Deeney
The dangerous striker has struck 4 goals this season but he’s finding his form at the moment and could prove a problem for Raynes tomorrow, who heatedly clashed with the striker at Edgeley Park last season.
County Team News:
Paul Huntington has returned to Leeds after his loan spell with County expired. (Mercifully!)
Huntington began solidly with the Hatters but his performances dropped and the former Newcastle defender made a few costly cock-ups in recent weeks.
There are also injury doubts over Nicholas Bignall (hamstring), James Vincent (illness) and David Poole (dead leg) but all three are expected to train today and should be available to face the Saddlers.
Player to watch: Peter Thompson
Two in two for the ‘in form’ striker!
Thompson’s been deployed in a conventional 4-4-2 recently and has found some success in that role, upping his performances and grabbing a few goals.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Gary Ablett sticks with the 4-4-2 for the away tie tomorrow.
Match Odds
Walsall – 5/6
Draw – 11/5
County – 5/4
Match Prediction:
3-3.
I know, I know.
Next Fixtures
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Coca-Cola Football League One
Stockport v Exeter, 15:00
