Barnsley seem to have become the League 1 darlings of satellite broadcasters as they feature for a third time in a few short weeks in this Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at Walsall. Still, it will be saving travelling supporters a small fortune as they will only have to walk to the nearest pub to watch their team rather than undergo a trek to the West Midlands.
Walsall Form
Walsall started the season like a house on fire but quickly fell away and are now very much involved in the remarkable battle to avoid the drop in League 1 which includes more than half of the table. The Saddlers’ position is more perilous than most as they are currently in the drop zone, albeit only on goal difference. The Saddlers have lost their last two but they were against high-flying Portsmouth and Sunderland. They led at the Stadium of Light last week before succumbing but manager Dean Keates was pleased with his team’s performance and is likely to recall top scorer Andy Cook for the visit of another top side. Cook has scored 16 times this season but was only on the bench last week – Corey Taylor could be the one to give way with Josh Gordon apparently enjoying himself in a more forward role.
Barnsley Form
Barnsley are unbeaten in 18 matches but had to hang tough to take a point at near-neighbours Doncaster last week. They were indebted to goalkeeper Adam Davies but the draw came at a cost with Kenny Dougall breaking a leg and joining top scorer Kieffer Moore on the sidelines for the rest of the season. The injuries are taking their toll and the Reds are starting to suffer as, though they are avoiding defeat, four of their last six matches have ended goalless and their luck may run out at some point. Daniel Stendel’s team now have Sunderland breathing down their necks in the race for automatic promotion and they are beginning to look desperately short of firepower, though have Jacob Brown and Cameron McGeehan available again following suspension. Zeki Fryers, who has been out of favour, could be the one to profit from Dougall’s long-term absence.
Walsall v Barnsley Head-to-Heads
Barnsley have won their last four meetings with Walsall, including their last two at the Banks’s Stadium by the same 3-1 scoreline. Seven of the last eight matches between the teams have featured at least three goals, though the return fixture this season at Oakwell ended 1-1.
Walsall v Barnsley Current Match Odds
Walsall 4/1, Draw 3/1, Barnsley 8/11 (Odds correct at 10.45am March 20)
Walsall v Barnsley Predictions
Both teams are under pressure for different reasons but I can’t help thinking that Walsall are overpriced to pull off a shock win at 4/1 with Betvictor. There is a feeling that they have been playing better than recent results suggest and Barnsley have been showing signs of fatigue. Another key injury will drain them further and they can’t afford to let the home side start quickly. A 2-1 correct score is worth a punt at the 15/1 with BetVictor and the home side are a stand-out 5/4 with bet365 getting a goal start on the handicap.
