These previews can be a bit samey, thats because Saints have a long and arduos task ahead of them.
Usually match previews are full of cliches, "Top of the table clash" etc, with the ten point deduction Saints at this moment in time cannot be spoken of in these terms with any accuracy.
Walsall are in good form and sit seventh, one point from the play offs, but with Saints fifth from bottom it wouldnt be truthful to describe this as a promotion clash, however it would also be folly to think it was a home banker as the promotion hopeful met the relegation scrapper and that is the problem for Saints season at the moment.
On one hand they have to keep winning, but on the other they cannot ssee the light at the end of the tunnel, the target is 12 points from every 6 games and all Saints can do at present is keep focussed on that and then hopefully the play off spots will suddenly appear around the corner.
Walsall will be a tough ask, after all they sit in 7th, but Saints are as good as any side in this division and hopefully the false league position due to the deduction will be the undoing of a few sides on the road.
In truth I would say there is little difference between Colchester in fourth and Brighton fourth from bottom, Saints just have to be methodical from now on and not drop the silly points that characterised November.
Walsall have a good home record in that they have only lost once in nine outings, however like us they have drawn too many, the same number, 4, that they have won, so it is not as much fortress Banks's as you might think.
What Saints have to do is continue to improve on the defensive frailties that cost them dearly, they looked to have done this on Tuesday night with the re introduction of Chris Perry and his experience will be a big help, he is a different type of defender to neil Trotman, who in truth was too similar to Jaidi.
I would expect Alan Pardew to stay with pretty much the starting linee up from the Wycombe game, the only question being whether he opts to play Waigo wide in midfield or up front.
The only real worry is whether David Connolly will be fit again, if he is I would hope that we start him on the bench and bring him on to great effect as we did earlier in the season.
The bench is the key area for Saints, they do have strength in depth and quality that can come off it, after all what other side, Leeds included can bring off the likes of Connolly and Antonio to change games.
Saints can afford to draw this game in the grand scheme of things, but if we are to remain focused on catching the promotion pack, then a win would be better to put us weel ahead of the game in the chase for December's 12 points.