ECHOSPORT talks to Walsall fan Liam Stewart ahead of tomorrow’s clash at the Bescot Stadium.

Walsall just missed out on automatic promotion this season but are currently 17th in the table. Why haven’t things gone as well this year?

“I think it’s mainly down to a big turnover of players.

“We lost lots of them due to not getting promoted.”

One of those was Jason Demetriou who is now with Southend. How important was he to Walsall?

“Jason played a vital role going forward as well as in defence. He’s been a big loss.”

What have you made of the season so far?

“It’s been disappointing so far. I expected it from last season but there has been glimpses of talented individuals.

"A few want Jon Whitney out because he has made a few bad decisions with his tactics and team selection.”

What are your hopes for the rest of the season?

“To get as high as we can and avoid relegation.

“The team still needs gelling but it is work in process.”

Echo:

Walsall fan - Liam Stewart

Franck Moussa is now with Walsall after leaving Southend in the summer. How has he been playing so far?

“I think Moussa has been fairly lazy so far.

"His best display came against Gillingham away where he bagged himself a goal.

"Defensively he hasn’t been very good but he is being played out on the wing.”

Who do Blues need to keep an eye on this weekend?

“One to watch will be Erhun Oztumer. He’s a little Turkish magician who can pull off passes nobody else would see.

“Amadou Bakayoko is a tall quick striker who can also be a handful.”

What’s the team news ahead of the game tomorrow?

“Kieron Morris is expected to be back and so is James O’Connor.

“Whitney is expected to make changes after the disappointing 4-0 defeat we had at Rochdale on Tuesday night.”

Predicted line up: Etheridge, Laird, Toner, O’Conner, McCarthy, Edwards, Chambers, Ginelly, Oztumer, Morris, Bakayoko