By Neil Ravenscroft
March 6 2003

Including Saturday's game, there are 11 games left to play this season, so what is a realistic prediction for where Walsall will finish? Given the stick that Geoff has received elsewhere for taking what was perceived as a pessimistic view of our prospects in December, it was with a little trepidation I decided it was time to look at the run in. But, considering the influence the last ten fixtures had on the finishing position of Walsall last season, I thought it was time to do it anyway.

Millwall (H) 8th March.

Millwall have had very good and very bad results all round this season. They are, however, struggling with injuries in defence at the moment and a win should be very much on the cards. 3 points and a total of 43.

Burnley (H) 15th March.

Beware the Ides of March. Burnley can collapse very easily at the back, but have ground out some good results away recently, so 1 point and a total of 44.

Preston (A) 18th March.

Were struggling badly until Craig Brown tightened up at the back and that has given them some good results away recently, but, at the same time, goals have dried up. At home they have to open up more, so 1 point and a total of 45.

Crystal Palace (A) 22nd March.

Depends if they are still in with an outside chance of the play offs, but I will go home win. 0 points and a total of 45.

Coventry City (H) 29th March.

The wheels have well and truly come off the bus at Highfield Road, with 6 defeats in 7 games adn their only win coming at a very poor Grimsby. I have to go 3 points and a total of 48. Possible safety.

Portsmouth (H) 5th April.

Sorry, unless they have an off day, 0 points, total 48.

Gillingham (A) 12th April.

Difficult place to go to, so, being realistic, 0 points, total 48.

Norwich (H) 19th April.

Might still be in the play off hunt, but they do not travel well. Could be a win, but I will go 1 point, total 49.

Grimsby (A) 21st April.

Might be down by then and, with nothing to play for and relaxed. A win is possible, especially if they are as bad as they have been in recent weeks, but I will go 1 point and the magic 50 reached.

Derby (H) 26th April.

Depends on how many 15 and 16 year olds they have to play, they do look a sorry sight at the moment. 3 points, total 53.

Sheffield Wednesday (A) 4th May.

Hopefully down, us safe, carnival atmosphere and a draw. 1 point, total 54.

Where will that put us? Should be around 16th, 17th or 18th place.

Next week, the winning lottery numbers.