"Cardiff will be flat out to put that defeat firmly behind them and my players must be aware of some sort of backlash. A good side is always dangerous after just having lost a game and we will have to be alert right from the start."
Walsall come to Cardiff on the back of a 1 - 1 draw with West Ham and an away win at Wimbledon. They have experience in their midfield with Paul Merson and Vinnie Samways and have striker Jorge Leitao up front. It was Leitao who scored the goal for Walsall against City back in August. Neil Alexander saved his only ever penalty for City and as the defence were dumbstruck they allowed Leitao to steal in and head home the bebound.
City took a point from that game after Gareth Whalley's 90th minute leveller.
On the last two occasions the teams have met at Ninian Park City won both games 2 - 1, one in 1992 and the other in 1993. I'd settle for the same again this Friday.
City can expect to see changes. Possibly in goal or in the the back 4. The squad Lennie can choose from is
Alexander, Margetson, Croft, Weston, Vidmar, Prior, Collins, Gabbidon, Barker, Boland, Bonner, Whalley, Kavanagh, Langley, Campbell, Thorne, Earnshaw Gordon.
We currently only have 22 senior professionals on the books. 18 above and the injured Scott Young, Jason Bowen, Alan Lee and John Robinson. Youngsters Aaran Lee Barrett and Stuart Fleetwood complete 24 men who have squad numbers this season.
The referee appointed to the match is Phil Crossley from Kent.
The game kicks off at 12 noon. City's next action is just 48 hours later away at Watford.
Can I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.