By Chris
After the popular demand of our last upcoming games article, Pride of Nottingham returns with a view of Walsall FC, Preston North End, Coventry City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town. On 21st of January 2014 Notts County played against Peterborough United, it was a game fans perhaps didn't foresee quite en-frilling but in fact Notts secure two very early goals. The game ended 4-3 in Peterborough's favour, however the passion installed by Shaun Derry surely as captured a significant change. Thing's don't get easier for the Magpies, these next few games will be tricky.
In our last edition I mentioned how we needed to prepare ourselves for the great escape, never did I think we would collect a huge 9 points from the 5 games played. However, I did feel Notts could gain 6, although realistically I felt 4 would be quite rewarding.
This doesn't mean it's all over, however it bides us some time and a chance to gain additional points to push us adrift of the relegation zone.
Walsall FC are a side which play free flowing football, although this isn't always the case and the perfect example would our scrappy away encounter at Bescot Stadium.
Craig Westcarr is their highest goal scorer notching up 11 so far this season. Adam Chambers is their most persistent fouler with 6 yellow cards, although Andy Taylor isn't far behind with 5. Andy Butler is their only player to be sent off, although he has been yellow carded twice.
In their last four games, they've picked up an impressive 8 points after drawing to Brentford 1-1 on the 18th January 2014. Sam Mantom clinched three points for saddler's as they beat Oldham Athletic 1-0, whilst at Tranmere Rovers they drew 1-1. Walsall also beat Sheffield United 2-1, which seen the club secure all 3 points after a 17 minute goal from Chris Porter.
Preston North End have finally settled within League One, they're a much better side under Simon Greyson and they're a side which should not be under estimated.
Former Nottingham Forest front man Joe Garner is their highest goal scorer with 13 goals, however they also have former Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies who's scored 5. John Welsh and Bailey Wright share 6 yellow cards each. Kevin Davies, Stuart Beavon, Neil Kilkenny and Paul Gallagher have all be sent off once.
In their last four games, they've picked up 7 points in the league but notably defeated Ipswich Town 3-2 in the F.A Cup 3rd round replay. A late equaliser for Coventry meant the score finished 1-1, they lost 2-0 to Wolves. Beat Port Vale 3-2 after leading 3 nil for 69 minutes and they beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0.
Coventry City despite struggling with financial hardship and starting this 2013/2014 campaign with -10 points, are a very capable side but they are not the same side without leading striker Leon Clarke.
Naturally Leon Clarke is their highest goal scorer with 18 goals, however Callum Wilson notched up 15 and Franck Moussa with 13. A lot depends on if they can keep Leon Clarke who surprised the Sky Blues fans by handing in a transfer request, although they process a very talented attacking squad. John Fleck and Conor Thomas both share 6 yellow cards each, whilst Carl Barker is the only Coventry City player to be sent off.
In their last four games, they've picked up 6 points. Two draws, 1-1 to Preston North End and 2-2 to Crawley. They beat Rotherham United 3-1 away from home in a game they were originally losing and draw to Oldham ending 1-1. On the 4th of January 2014 they also beat Barnsley 2-1, after also going down by 1 goal in the 3rd round of the F.A Cup. They now await Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the 4th round which will take place on the 24th of January 2014.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are a side doesn't require an introduction, although we have some good results against them this season – they are a Championship side still featuring quite a few of their Premier League squad back from 2012.
Leigh Griffiths is their highest goal scorer with 13 goal, whilst Bakary Sako is on 7. David Davis is the most persistent fouler in the Wolves side with 7 yellow cards and Richard Stearman is their only player to be sent off once – Surprised by this? I am.
In their last four games, they've picked up 4 points which as seen them drop from league leaders to 3rd place and they're now 5 points behind Leyton Orient who sit back on top. Wolves beat Preston 2-0, they lost 1-0 Gillingham FC, draw 1-1 to Tranmere Rovers and drawing 1-1 to Leyton Orient.
Shrewsbury Town are one of the weaker teams in League One, although they cannot be written off. They're a side that can surprise teams who fail to mark their offensive players.
Tom Bradshaw is their highest goal scorer on 5, Joe Jacobson and Dave Winfield have 4 yellow cards each and Jon Taylor's their only player to be sent off once.
In their last four games, they've picked up 3 points. They lost heavily to Rotherham United by 3 goals to nil, they narrowly lost 3-2 to MK Dons and again to Leyton Orient, the final score 2-0. However, they beat Oldham Athletic 2-1 – the Shrews first win since the 30th of November 2013.
I see Notts picking up 7 points, realistically who knows after our recent form but 5 would seem about spot on.
My key game is against Coventry City – they're a side I see entertaining us at Meadow Lane, with a reasonable chance of achieving something from the game. Walsall and Shrewsbury are games which strike me as 'winnable', Shrewsbury Town being the side we must defeat for sure.
COYP!!
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now