Saddlers manager Dean Keates has highlighted Tuesday night’s game against AFC Wimbledon as ‘the biggest game of the season’ following the defeat to Blackpool on Saturday.
A goal in each half from Chris Long and Harry Pritchard secured all three points for the Tangerines in a game that the Saddlers were left to rue a number of missed chances.
Although Keates highlighted that the next game is always the biggest game, he picked out Tuesday’s game against bottom of the table Wimbledon as a game that his players need to impose themselves in.
“It’s the biggest game of the season,” said Keates. “Your next game is always the biggest one but this is massive for us.
“It’s one win in 11 for us but they aren’t in great form either. They have done well in the FA Cup.
“We have to make sure we impose ourselves on them in the game.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. They are going to come and they are going to work hard.
“They will get in our face and we have to stand up to that. It might be scruffy but what it has to be is effective.
“What we have to do as a football club is go out, get some points and steady the ship.
“Wimbledon will be disappointed with their form in the league, but when you watch them in the FA Cup they have been outstanding.
“Whatever their position is, we have to go and make the game about us. That is no disrespect to them.
“We have to make the game about us and every player that goes out there on Tuesday night has to give everything.
“In the first two minutes we need an atmosphere that is positive and together.
“We need to steady the ship and we have to make sure we get a positive result.”