Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Reports and reaction from the 2017-2018 season as Walsall finished 19th in League 1
- Welsh_Saddler
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Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
"Is there poetry in the parking lot?
In the grid-like lines of Milton Keynes?
... is there poetry among the reeking refuse and overflowing bins?"
("Milton Keynes" - Mina Harker)
After the anticipation and excitement (or depression) of the January transfer window, we have a real 6-pointer game against Franchise FC. They have also seen some activity in the loans market with the emphasis on strengthening their defence to help them climb out of the drop zone, where they are currently marooned 3 points from safety. Marcus Tavernier (midfielder) was signed on loan from Middlesbrough earlier in the month, since when Elliott Ward has been brought in from Blackburn Rovers (centre-back), and they, like us, have also taken on a Stoke City player - Josh Tymon (full-back). Back in October we came away from the Dons' away fixture with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a Tyler Roberts penalty, and at that time both sides were reasonably comfortably placed in mid-table. The Dons' form since then has been poor which led to a parting of the ways for the club and manager Robbie Neilson, who had been in charge for just over a year following the departure of Karl Robinson. Dons' new manager is Dan Micciche, so there is a risk that we may come up against "new manager" syndrome as he has only been in post for a couple of weeks. He and the FA parted by mutual consent in December last year - he had been the England National coach for the U-16 team. Milton Keynes Dons' recent League One form:-
23 Dec Rotherham United (A) Lost 2-1
26 Dec Plymouth Argyle (H) Lost 0-1
30 Dec Peterborough United (H) Won 1-0
1 Jan Oxford United (A) Lost 3-1
13 Jan AFC Wimbledon (H) Drew 0-0
20 Jan Northampton Town (A) Lost 2-1
The Walsall line-up that Jon Whitney will name for this match will probably be of most interest to those spectators who like to recognise players' faces, because new ones will certainly be on view unless he decides to bench the lot ..... Julien Ngoy (striker from Stoke City) should get a game if only as a replacement for £2.5 million Tyler Roberts. Krystien Bielik (centre-back from Arsenal) comes under the same heading and will presumably be our first choice in that position for the rest of the season (although not for this game apparently, as he is carrying a minor "niggle" which should be rectified for our next game). Jack Fitzwater (defender from West Brom) may well rotate with our existing defenders but, as with many of Jon Whitney's tactical decisions, who can tell? These players are in addition to Justin Shaibu (striker from Brentford) signed earlier in the week.
As always, JW has not shied away from making statements to the press - and his comments on Walsall's dealings in this transfer window are:-
"It was really, really good"
"I am happy with the additions and hopefully they can allow us to kick-on along with the lads we already have"
"The lads we have got in we have gone for in previous windows and not been available, so we kept tabs on them"
"They will bring added strength and quality to a group which already has a lot of quality"
Make of all that what you will - as far as a prediction is concerned I will back my selection in the Prediction League ... a 2-1 home win, goals for Ngoy and a rejuvenated Oztumer (unless he has been signed by Reading before the game).
UTS :D
In the grid-like lines of Milton Keynes?
... is there poetry among the reeking refuse and overflowing bins?"
("Milton Keynes" - Mina Harker)
After the anticipation and excitement (or depression) of the January transfer window, we have a real 6-pointer game against Franchise FC. They have also seen some activity in the loans market with the emphasis on strengthening their defence to help them climb out of the drop zone, where they are currently marooned 3 points from safety. Marcus Tavernier (midfielder) was signed on loan from Middlesbrough earlier in the month, since when Elliott Ward has been brought in from Blackburn Rovers (centre-back), and they, like us, have also taken on a Stoke City player - Josh Tymon (full-back). Back in October we came away from the Dons' away fixture with a 1-1 draw courtesy of a Tyler Roberts penalty, and at that time both sides were reasonably comfortably placed in mid-table. The Dons' form since then has been poor which led to a parting of the ways for the club and manager Robbie Neilson, who had been in charge for just over a year following the departure of Karl Robinson. Dons' new manager is Dan Micciche, so there is a risk that we may come up against "new manager" syndrome as he has only been in post for a couple of weeks. He and the FA parted by mutual consent in December last year - he had been the England National coach for the U-16 team. Milton Keynes Dons' recent League One form:-
23 Dec Rotherham United (A) Lost 2-1
26 Dec Plymouth Argyle (H) Lost 0-1
30 Dec Peterborough United (H) Won 1-0
1 Jan Oxford United (A) Lost 3-1
13 Jan AFC Wimbledon (H) Drew 0-0
20 Jan Northampton Town (A) Lost 2-1
The Walsall line-up that Jon Whitney will name for this match will probably be of most interest to those spectators who like to recognise players' faces, because new ones will certainly be on view unless he decides to bench the lot ..... Julien Ngoy (striker from Stoke City) should get a game if only as a replacement for £2.5 million Tyler Roberts. Krystien Bielik (centre-back from Arsenal) comes under the same heading and will presumably be our first choice in that position for the rest of the season (although not for this game apparently, as he is carrying a minor "niggle" which should be rectified for our next game). Jack Fitzwater (defender from West Brom) may well rotate with our existing defenders but, as with many of Jon Whitney's tactical decisions, who can tell? These players are in addition to Justin Shaibu (striker from Brentford) signed earlier in the week.
As always, JW has not shied away from making statements to the press - and his comments on Walsall's dealings in this transfer window are:-
"It was really, really good"
"I am happy with the additions and hopefully they can allow us to kick-on along with the lads we already have"
"The lads we have got in we have gone for in previous windows and not been available, so we kept tabs on them"
"They will bring added strength and quality to a group which already has a lot of quality"
Make of all that what you will - as far as a prediction is concerned I will back my selection in the Prediction League ... a 2-1 home win, goals for Ngoy and a rejuvenated Oztumer (unless he has been signed by Reading before the game).
UTS :D
- Walsallone
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
As long as the new boys have met their new team mates and JW has decided on our strategy and tactics I will agree with you WELSH.....a narrow victory.BUT if we lose I will not lose heart becauseI amour with the additions we will have enough to stay up!!!
- Walsallone
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
I don't know where "amour" came from ...I didn't type that :D ....this machine has a mind of its own!! It should have read "I am sure" :D
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tinned - Site Addict
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Walsallone wrote:I don't know where "amour" came from ...I didn't type that :D ....this machine has a mind of its own!! It should have read "I am sure" :D
Have you seen the "Edit Post" button above your posts? It prevents numerous hardware/fat fingers mistakes :D
- Walsallone
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
yep I have seen it but didn't know that you can use it after posting....I am still an amateur at this game :D
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Walsallone wrote:I don't know where "amour" came from ...I didn't type that :D ....this machine has a mind of its own!! It should have read "I am sure" :D
Well, you do 'love' Walsall FC. :D Freudian autocorrect.
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
3-0 win for the lads who will play with energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment.
- El_Nombre
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Biggest game since the play offs.
Must win. Somebody posts that every week but this one actually is must win.
Must win. Somebody posts that every week but this one actually is must win.
- Walsallone
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
You are right GUEST and when I re read the post I nearly decided to leave it as written :D
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scott_powell - Site Addict
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
- Welsh_Saddler
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
"Defiantly" (?) ... or perhaps "Definitely" (!) :wink:
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scott_powell - Site Addict
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Welsh_Saddler wrote:scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
"Defiantly" (?) ... or perhaps "Definitely" (!) :wink:
Cheers auto correct :lol:
- El_Nombre
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
No Bielik apparently. Carrying a niggle that the club knew about but should only keep him out of this game.
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tinned - Site Addict
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
I hope you keep us informed of how much the days costs you :wink:
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scott_powell - Site Addict
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
tinned wrote:scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
I hope you keep us informed of how much the days costs you :wink:
Yes! And when I do I hope the select few will tell me I'm wrong! :lol:
- El_Nombre
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
scott_powell wrote:tinned wrote:scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
I hope you keep us informed of how much the days costs you :wink:
Yes! And when I do I hope the select few will tell me I'm wrong! :lol:
I can already tell you so there's no need to get it wrong. £22.
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scott_powell - Site Addict
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
El_Nombre wrote:scott_powell wrote:tinned wrote:scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
I hope you keep us informed of how much the days costs you :wink:
Yes! And when I do I hope the select few will tell me I'm wrong! :lol:
I can already tell you so there's no need to get it wrong. £22.
£23.50 actually.
- El_Nombre
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
scott_powell wrote:El_Nombre wrote:scott_powell wrote:tinned wrote:scott_powell wrote:Huge game this. Defiantly coming back for this one. Players need us and I think we'll win 2-0.
I hope you keep us informed of how much the days costs you :wink:
Yes! And when I do I hope the select few will tell me I'm wrong! :lol:
I can already tell you so there's no need to get it wrong. £22.
£23.50 actually.
Touche
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
We HAVE to win this one, fail to do so and we will be deep in doggie doodoo's.
Hope the new guys make a substantial difference!
Hoping to get 'release' to attend the Blackpool game next week, been told not to get excited, jump up and down or shout, well, after all, I will be watching our lot, so I should be alright then! :D
Hope the new guys make a substantial difference!
Hoping to get 'release' to attend the Blackpool game next week, been told not to get excited, jump up and down or shout, well, after all, I will be watching our lot, so I should be alright then! :D
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
JW wrote:We’ve got to expect their A-game. We’ll go out there to entertain – play with energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment.
“They’re the three big E’s that we talk about at the club.
Someone should get the big E. :mrgreen:
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- SoccerHQ
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Apparently Franchise have put in charge a youth team guy who's never managed before. He lost his first game in the cup to Coventry last week.
Their best player Chuks Aneke who scored in the game in October is suspended.
Despite all that not convinced the defence will hold out without the new signing.
2-2.
Their best player Chuks Aneke who scored in the game in October is suspended.
Despite all that not convinced the defence will hold out without the new signing.
2-2.
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hullsaddler - Glitterati
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
My first home game since Barnsley . Here's hoping for a different result today. I detest Franchise. 3-1 home win.
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Biggest game since the play offs this. Dropping all my anger towards the club and getting right behind them all today.
- SoccerHQ
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Fitzwater starting today in central defence.
Two new strikers on the bench.
Team still looks weak.
Two new strikers on the bench.
Team still looks weak.
- Welsh_Saddler
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Starting line-up today:
Roberts
Kinsella
Fitzwater
Guthrie
Leahy
Edwards
Chambers
Dobson
Morris
Oztumer
Bakayoko
Substitutes: Gillespie, Cuvelier, Shaibu, Flanagan, Ngoy, Roberts, Kouhyar
If the loan players aren't good enough to make the starting XI why are they here? :?
Roberts
Kinsella
Fitzwater
Guthrie
Leahy
Edwards
Chambers
Dobson
Morris
Oztumer
Bakayoko
Substitutes: Gillespie, Cuvelier, Shaibu, Flanagan, Ngoy, Roberts, Kouhyar
If the loan players aren't good enough to make the starting XI why are they here? :?
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
SoccerHQ wrote:Fitzwater starting today in central defence.
Two new strikers on the bench.
Team still looks weak.
So he really trusts his new signings then? However, Bakayoko is still up front (for a change) we're saved!
Should have given the lad from Stoke a chance, as HQ says this still looks a weak team...should have gone for it, instead he relies on those who have failed so miserably to save us from a relegation scrap, he continues to excel as one of the poorest managers in our history (and that's saying something). Very disappointed.
Lets hope the new guy from Arsenal is ready for our trip to Blackpool to shore up our defensive frailties.
- Welsh_Saddler
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
After 1 minute, we've had a shot on target ...... shurely shome mishtake? :? (Joe Edwards)
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Welsh_Saddler wrote:Starting line-up today:
Roberts
Kinsella
Fitzwater
Guthrie
Leahy
Edwards
Chambers
Dobson
Morris
Oztumer
Bakayoko
Substitutes: Gillespie, Cuvelier, Shaibu, Flanagan, Ngoy, Roberts, Kouhyar
If the loan players aren't good enough to make the starting XI why are they here? :?
Impact subs?
- Welsh_Saddler
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Re: Milton Keynes Dons (H) 3rd Feb, 3pm
Guest wrote:Welsh_Saddler wrote:Starting line-up today:
Roberts
Kinsella
Fitzwater
Guthrie
Leahy
Edwards
Chambers
Dobson
Morris
Oztumer
Bakayoko
Substitutes: Gillespie, Cuvelier, Shaibu, Flanagan, Ngoy, Roberts, Kouhyar
If the loan players aren't good enough to make the starting XI why are they here? :?
Impact subs?
I think I'd rather have impact starters!!! :D
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