A lot of fans seem to be getting uptight on the match tomorrow If we get at them and score one goal they need five. As it is they need four Do you realistically think that Walsall can score four goals without a reply. Better still with our defence do you think they can get four I do not think so, and I think we will actually win on the night
We've only scored 3 ourselves - why do they need 4 to win exactly? Might draw and end up on penalties. the away goals don't count if its not in europe..
We've only lost one game 3-0 all season. Against Rochdale. Haven't we? I can't see this group of lads, knowing the club were bottom at xmas, fighting their way through injuries, player departures, a tough fixture schedule involving two extra time and penalty victories that got them to Wembley, the head coach walking out, more injuries, a three game suspension for the star attraction, a Wembley triumph from being behind, getting great results at dem blades and Wigan followed by a thumping of the best away side and free scorers in L1.... I can't see this group of lads now all of a sudden having their arses handed to em, surrendering after all that. I get the 'Barnsley, innit?' theme. I've fully bought into that myself. Nearly 30 years tells me not to expect owt. And I am nervous for the game. But it's more about what's at stake. That's the nervy bit. We've done so ******* well since xmas, miraculous stuff really. But we're so bloody close now to another huge occasion for the club at Wembley which is a game that could see us returning to the second tier. That's why I'm shitting it. Yes, an early Walsall goal might swing things, it's football, owt can happen. But we score, and it's game over. I think we'll come out all guns blazing, I really do. I actually think there's more chance of us winning 3-0 than them doing it. I said it yesterday, but look at our players, look at the team. You doubt these lads, after everything?
I've replied with your whole quote in the vague hope anyone who hasn't read it already reads it now! Absofu cking lutely spot on. This group of boys are the best we've had. No worries, tomorrow they will go to Walsall and beat them. Not draw. Not only lose by 1 or 2, but beat them. Like they did on Saturday. Just gone.
I think a healthy dose of caution is a far better approach than the alternative option of assuming that we're at Wembley already. Much better too that it's the fans feeling this, rather than the players and management who seem to be preparing for the game in exactly the same way as for any other outcome last Saturday. I genuinely don't know what to expect from tomorrow's game. I suspect we'll be put under pressure from the outset in a way which teams usually save for the last few minutes of a match when chasing a game. How it develops from there will depend how well we weather the initial storm, and whether we can benefit from any counter attacks in the early stages. All we can control as fans is how well we get behind them tomorrow evening. I'll be doing my bit in that regard, and hoping that we see out the job. I'm confident, but am just choosing not to fall into the trap of thinking that it's all over just yet. The home leg against Birmingham was somewhat similar in 2000, and it wasn't until Bruce's equaliser that I felt totally confident of the outcome. A second Birmingham goal at that stage would have set a few nerves jangling. If we can ride the initial storm tomorrow, I think the Walsall threat will ultimately fizzle out, as the sort of pressure I expect early on won't be sustainable for the entire game. I think it'll be similar to the Brighton - Wednesday game, with hopefully the same ultimate outcome.
Although I'm not nervous, can I just point out they don't need 4. Three will do them, to take it to pens. even though given our pens record the odds are against them they still only need 3 to have a chance.mm
The last time Walsall won by 3 goals or more *at home* whilst keeping a clean sheet was vs. Crawley (5-0) on the 14th April 2014. Crawley were relegated that season. That was 29 home games ago. They did it once more that season vs. Doncaster when they won 3-0. The only proviso is that most games you play knowing you don't need to score 3 goals, so their mindset will be different. We'll get chances, so a goal or 2 should be within us. Edit: in the last 3 seasons they've scored 3 or more without conceding 3 times in 77 home games.
Walsall's home record W-D-L is 11-6-6 (+5 goal difference) and 10th in the division on home form. Away is 13-6-4 (+17 goal difference) and best on away form. That's got to mean they are a good counter-attacking side but with a 3 goal lead we'll be looking to stifle them and hit them on the counter. We'll have to seriously fall apart to blow it.
I did Soon as I saw your post I put a little bet on and I'm £34 better off, seems I have more faith in your predictions than you have
