Stan could be forced into changes

Last updated : 03 October 2003 By Tony Scholes

David May - doubtful with a hamstring injury
David May picked up a hamstring injury at Watford and came off after 77 minutes after to be replaced by Graham Branch whilst Luke Chadwick has a slight groin injury.

May is rated doubtful whilst Chadwick is being given every chance to play with Stan leaving a decision as late as possible.

Gareth Farrelly picked up a knock but it is hoped he will be OK to play but Alan Moore remains unavailable with his mystery injury and Mark McGregor, expected to be back by now, is apparently still some time away from a recall.

With so few players to choose from, and Stan seemingly not too keen to use Paul Scott on the bench now, he will be hoping beyond hope that both May and Chadwick are available although it is after tomorrow’s game when the real problems start with May out suspended for two games and Todd on his way back down the M65.

It is difficult to guess just who will be in the starting line up but I expect it to be the same as the side that drew at Watford if indeed everyone is available. That would be Brian Jensen, Dean West, David May, Andy Todd, Mo Camara, Ian Moore, Paul Weller, Gareth Farrelly, Luke Chadwick, Robbie Blake, Delroy Facey.

Should May be ruled out then Graham Branch would almost certainly be the replacement whilst Richard Chaplow would probably come in for Luke Chadwick if necessary. Otherwise Branch and Chaplow will join Lee Roche and Matt O’Neill on the bench and possibly Tony Grant if he is recovered and fit enough after his recent foot injury.

So there could be five on the bench although if May, Chadwick and Grant are all ruled out we could be down to just two occupying the bench.

It is interesting that Paul Crichton is unavailable for Norwich, he has had surgery on a knee injury, and while they continue their search to bring in a replacement they will once again include 15 year-old Joe Lewis on the bench as keeper backup.

We say goodbye to Andy Todd tomorrow and Walsall will also be bidding farewell to a loan player, Portsmouth's Deon Burton. He will return to Fratton Park after the weekend after failing to make an impact.

It is in defence where Colin Lee has his worries. Paul Ritchie has tonsillitis but even so would have been out suspended. David Hay and Ian Roper are not certain to play. Hay has missed the last three games with an ankle injury but Lee is hoping he will be fit to return, Roper meanwhile is considered very doubtful with a groin strain.

Darren Wrack is also ruled out with a calf strain but the good news for the Saddlers is that Pedro Matias has been passed fit after injuring an ankle in last Monday’s win over Gillingham at the Bescot.

Colin Lee said today as he looked forward to the game, "We have to take the confidence that has been gained over the past two games to Turf Moor. It will be necessary for us to withstand pressure against an attack minded Burnley team and also be able to play our own game, so it is not going to be easy for us.

"We have a team that is now set up for counter attacking so we won’t be going to Turf Moor to be totally negative, that’s not my way, we now have the players to cause teams problems.

"Burnley are a good side going forward and it is always difficult to go there, Saturday will be no different."

Should Hay come through his fitness test them expect Walsall to start with the following side:

James Walker, Zigor Aranalde, Jorge Leitao, Paul Merson, Pedro Matias, Jamie Lawrence, Neil Emblen, Vinny Samways, David Hay, Chris Baird, Gary O’Neil.