By Neil Ravenscroft
November 12 2004

It’s first round FA Cup day tomorrow and, unfortunately, we’re back participating in it, instead of watching happily from a distance. For a team in Walsall's position, the important thing about the first two rounds of the Cup is to get through them, with the hope of getting a money spinning tie in the third round. Player-Manager Paul Merson has said that is his only priority for this competition, as he looks for the resources that will enable him to strengthen his stuttering squad.

In that case, the draw could have been kinder. A non League team away from home can be a daunting proposition, especially if the players do not go into the game with the right attitude. That is Merson's job tomorrow, to make sure that they are prepared. Let's face it, Slough are as far below us in the League structure as the bottom of the Second Division/top of the Conference is from the Premiership. If the attitude is right, anything other than a win is inconceivable.

So, are there any problems? Mark Kinsella should be fit to return in midfield and, it has to be said, Walsall's form without him has not been too convincing. However, that piece of good news is tempered by the fact that Birch and Daryl Taylor are both struggling, Birch being classed as "doubtful". There have also been some hints that Ian Roper may return, given the fact that Neil Emblen is only one yellow card away from a suspension. The big blow is that on-loan Albion keeper Joe Murphy will not be allowed to play, as they do not want him Cup Tied, so Paston will return in goal. If Merson decides to have a sub keeper on the bench, it will be young Dean Coleman, with McKinney still out with his long term injury.

The Slough team consists of the usual mixture of part time players, so watch out for the condescending comments on Match of the Day about postmen and schoolteachers. As it happens, their main dangerman, Ian Hodges, who scored 39 goals last season, is a postman, though! The match will be featured on "Match of the Day", however, as it is the BBC that insisted on the 2.00 kick off, as they were worried about the floodlights at Windsor and Eton's ground, temporary home of Slough.

Slough warmed up for this tie with a 7 – 0 win in the FA Trophy, and they are described as a good footballing side. Hopefully, that should be their downfall, as footballing sides we should be able to deal with. If the preparation, and especially the mental preparation, is right, this should be a comfortable win for the Saddlers. Indeed, no fewer than 47% of fans voting on the poll this week see this as either a win or a bladdering. Just to show we can do the condescension as well as the other media, however, a large number also seem to be prepared to do the 'David Brent dance' from 'The Office', so make sure you look up the steps and arm actions.

My prediction? Slough 0 Walsall 3. Merson can't afford anything else but a win, otherwise the calls for his head would be turning into a clamour.