Walsall boss Jon Whitney wary after Cobblers hammered
Jon Whitney has warned his players to expect a backlash when Saddlers take on Northampton Town tomorrow.
The Saddlers travel to Sixfields Stadium where they will face a Cobblers outfit who were thrashed 5-1 by fellow strugglers Oldham last weekend.
That result left Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side sitting second bottom in League One – with just one victory in their last nine outings.
In contrast, Walsall have won their last three games in the division. But while their confidence levels are soaring, Whitney has warned there is no room for complacency.
“I know Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink because we are on the same LMA course and he will demand a response from last week,” he said.
“We are expecting one of our toughest games of the season. They are fighting and they need a result.
“Jimmy is hurt from any defeat. But in the press he made it clear the first half last week just wasn’t good enough.”
Hasselbaink previously won promotion from League One with Burton Albion – with his Brewers side finishing just one point ahead of the Saddlers in the 2015/2016 season.
And Whitney believes the former Chelsea striker wouldn’t have joined the Cobblers if he didn’t feel he could replicate that success.
“They are going through a tough time but Jimmy is a seasoned pro who is very driven,” the boss continued.
“He will be looking to get to January and I’m sure then he will make a couple of changes. But he has got some class in his side.
“When you look at the players he has got available. John-Joe O’Toole has got a slight knock but I expect him to play because he is a big player for them.
“Matt Grimes is an important player. They have got some energy up top.
“They have got players who when they click – they will give anyone a game.
“I think the start of the game will be important. The first goal is always important in these games. We have to make sure we stay nice and solid and focused. And if we do that we have the players to really hurt them.”
Walsall are likely to be without striker Tyler Roberts and goalkeeper Liam Roberts for the game – with both players struggling with hamstring injuries. Joe Edwards will though be in the squad are recovering from a similar problem.
“Tyler is doing well but Northampton may come just a bit too soon for him,” Whitney added.
“And with the performance we had against Scunthorpe last weekend I might not risk Tyler.
“Liam won’t be available at the weekend.
“But Joe has trained all week and will be back in the squad.”
