First home pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening as Premier League new-boys come to town...
THE SADDLERS return to home soil on Wednesday evening as we play host to Premier League new-boys, Leicester City (kick-off 7.30pm).Summer signings Tom Bradshaw, James O’Connor, Craig MacGillivray and Ashley Grimes will get their first taste of Banks’s Stadium action, whilst Jordan Cook misses out through injury.
“We are delighted to play host to a Leicester City side who will be in buoyant mood following their promotion into the Premier League at the end of last season,” said manager, Dean Smith. “As such we look forward to a good challenge.
“We are pleased with where we are at in pre season at the moment; the players have worked hard and have been playing a lot of minutes in a fatigued state. We are starting to cut back on the physical side of things in training to have us ready for August 9th.
“In the games we’ve played so far, we’ve been able to look at various systems and formations and cast our eye over a number of players.
“Wednesday’s game will be another good gauge for us against quality opposition, and it’s a test that we face with relish and determination.”
The Foxes stormed to The Championship Title in 2013/14 and manager, Nigel Pearson, has been boosted by the news that key members of that squad have committed themselves to the cause over the summer with the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Danny Drinkwater and David Nugent expected to play key roles as they look to adapt to life in the top-flight.
There have also been new arrivals at the King Power Stadium with talented front-man, Leonardo Ulloa completing a big-money switch from Brighton & Hove Albion recently to join the likes of fellow new recruits, Marc Albrighton, Matthew Upson and Ben Hamer.
It promises to be an entertaining encounter and with admission prices at just £12 (adults) and £6 (concessions) for all areas of the stadium, it is one not to be missed...