including "Matt “Sicknote” Carbon": Barnsley vs Walsall Cup Preview It’s make or break for the Saddlers tomorrow – genuinely, as this is the FA Cup and a chance at a money spinning fourth round tie. It’s been a whirlwind and confusing week at Walsall football club, as word slowly got out of the manager being willing to release four players to make room for more loanees and the mystery bid for Julian Bennett. Certainly Merson’s comments after the Bristol City game suggested that he has “lost” at least some elements of the dressing room, which made it all the more surprising that the scapegoats included only one player involved in Monday’s debacle. Tomorrow’s tie at Barnsley will see loads of changes, however. Oakes will be back in goal, with Gilmartin on the bench, as Sunderland are still not allowing Murphy to be cup tied. At the back, Pead and Gerrard should be joined by the returning Roper and either Fox or Bennett. Bennett is most likely, as we seem to be lacking a left winger otherwise. Midfield is likely to consists of newcomers Keith James and Michael Leary, with Osborn and Fox, as Demontagnac is being left out for “disciplinary” reasons. Timm and Nicholls are likely to lead the line, with Constable being cup tied. Barnsley have a fully fit squad to chose from, other than full back Bobby Hassell, who is out and one player needing a late fitness test. That player is, of course, ex Saddler Matt “Sicknote” Carbon. Predictions? I really haven’t got a clue. We lost there fairly narrowly in October, following our usual abject first half away performance, with McPhail running the show: Link: http://upthesaddlers.com/wp/archives/2005/10/ This was, of course, the game where Craig Pead was stupidly sent off, wrecking what chances we had of getting a point. With the new faces in the side and the players maybe reacting positively to this week’s happenings, a draw or even a win could be on the cards, but, equally, the players could easily go the other way. This is one I’m just not sticking my neck out on! http://upthesaddlers.com/wp/archives/2006/01/06/barsley-vs-walsall-cup-preview/
Hopefully Mcphail will start tommorow. He took the piss out of their players last time. They couldnt get near him.
