Our prediction for this League 2 match:
Bristol Rovers
Match Time & Date:
29/01/2022
16:00
Prediction: 2-0
Walsall
Bristol Rovers play host to Walsall at their Memorial Stadium on day 29 of the current League Two campaign. The Pirates have been in a fine form in 2022, with the team winning three of their last four league fixtures. Experienced forward is pushing for a rare start after scoring as a substitute in a 3-2 win over Scunthorpe, while Wales international Aaron Collins should continue to lead the line for the hosts.
The Saddlers, on the other hand, are on a four-game losing run in the English fourth tier. Walsall are low on confidence ahead of the trip to Bristol, and seeing that the Pirates have found their best form, home win should be considered. A man to watch in the home team will be George Miller, who scored his eighth goal of the season in the 2-1 loss to Bradford City.
Highlighted Player (Glenn Whelan):
Probably one of the most underrated footballers in Premier League history, Glenn Whelan was born on 13 January 1982 in Dublin and he went on to enjoy a very successful career on club and international level.
Following spells with Manchester City, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday, the defensive midfielder found his peace at the Britannia Stadium, making over 250 Premier League appearances for Stoke City and keeping his place in the side under both Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes. Predominantly focused on doing the dirty defensive work and helping out the back four, Whelan never quite made the headlines for his style of play or quality of his displays, but remained an important player for both club and country.
The midfielder has so far made over 70 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team, wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions, and starting all three group games at the Euro 2012 finals, while helping The Green Army qualify for the Euro 2016 as well.
Highlighted Team (Walsall):
Founded in 1888, Walsall are a professional club that play home matches at Bescot Stadium. The capacity of the venue is 11,300 people and it was opened in 1990. Nicknamed the Saddlers, Walsall footballers wear red shirts and white shorts when playing in front of home fans, while black is the dominant colour of their away kit.
Walsall played out a goalless draw with Aston Villa on April 9, 1888 in their first ever game, with the team recording their biggest win on March 4, 1899 against Darwen (10-0). The Saddlers suffered their biggest defeat on December 17, 1892 as they were beaten by Small Heath 12-0.
Walsall fans consider wolverhampton wanderers the club’s biggest rivals, but the Saddlers have rivalries with Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale as well as the two clubs are only 30 miles away from Walsall. Crystal Palace centre-back Scott Dann is one of the most notable footballers who played for the Bescot Stadium.
