Derby Vs Walsall :The Big Club V The Inform Club
By 4two
October 4 2002
Walsall make there first visit to Pride Park to face Derby, a side who they last met 16 years ago. Derby are widely expected to challenging at the top of the table at the end of the season, but have struggled to find form and consistency so far this season.
Derby County Vs Walsall
| Venue : Pride Park, Derby | |
| Competition : Nationwide League Division 1. | |
| Date & Time: 5.10.02 - 3:00pm | |
| Ticket Availability: The demand for Walsall tickets has been reasonable. We were sent 1000, with an option of more, but we haven't needed to take them. but it is pay on the gate. TheSaddlersFC estimates 700-900 Saddlers fans will be their. Derby shouldn't sell out for this game, we are not the biggest attraction in the first division. | |
| Walsall Team News: Danny Sonner (suspended) David Zdrilic (Injured), Roper expected to make the game. Walsall to put out the same side that took forest apart in the week. | |
| Derby County Team News: Barton (suspended) Burley, Ravanelli Strupar, Burton (Injured) Rob Lee (Doubtful) | |
| Last Meeting: 31.3.86 (Div 3 (2) ) Walsall 1-1 Derby County | |
| Walsall (Lg) Form : LLLWW | |
| Derby County (Lg) Form: LLWLW | |
| Walsall League Position: 15th (Div 1) | |
| Derby County Position: 9th (Div 1) | |
| Walsall Man to Watch: Jim Walker, 1 goal conceded in his last three games, and will again need to be on top form to make sure we come back home with the points in the bag. | |
| Derby County to Watch: Mart Poom , who had a rough time midweek, will be looking to redeem himself this weekend. | |
| The Verdict: We are looking sharp and confident, and as long as complacency doesn't set in we should get something from this game. If we remember where Derby have spent the last few years, and where we have spent ours, and the contrasting pasts of the two sides, then we should not be expecting to take anything from this game. But it is testament to Graydon, Bonser, Rammell, Whalley, Walker, Leitao and now Colin Lee that we are able to compete with the likes of Derby. These people have been key in turning Walsall FC around from an average lower division club, to a club capable of competing in the second tier of English Football. These are the kind of games that these people worked hard for, and it is these games we should put that extra 10% in to win. | |
| PREDICTION: Derby County 2-3 Walsall | |