Selection issues for Walsall boss Dean Keates ahead of Bury clash

Posted Friday, April 06, 2018 by PA

Walsall manager Dean Keates could make changes to his starting line-up when relegation-threatened Bury visit the Banks’s Stadium.

George Dobson and Maziar Kouhyar are among those vying for recalls following the defeat at Portsmouth last week – a fourth successive loss for the Saddlers which left them just two points above the drop zone.

Keates has a selection dilemma on the left side of midfield with Kieron Morris the only experienced winger in the squad. The Saddlers boss opted to play striker Julien Ngoy in that role at Fratton Park and must decide whether to do so again.

On-loan Arsenal defender Krystian Bielik remains unavailable after suffering an injury setback.

Bury’s vastly inferior goal difference means defeat on Saturday coupled with wins for both AFC Wimbledon and Oldham would see them all-but relegated.

Shakers boss Ryan Lowe called his team’s performance in the home defeat to Rochdale in midweek “shocking” and “lacking passion”, so changes could be in the offing.

James Hanson is fit again after a rib injury and the striker could be recalled to the starting line-up. Harry Bunn is also an option up front, while midfielder Jay O’Shea could come back into the side.

Jermaine Beckford (knee), Craig Jones (thigh) and Eoghan O’Connell (ligaments) are all still out injured.