Why Alassana Jatta is a player to watch | Match Day 4 League Two Preview
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Why Alassana Jatta is a player to watch | Match Day 4 League Two Preview

29/08/24 19:43

Ahead of the new match week in League Two, football writer Tom Williams breaks down the team, player, hot prospect and game to keep an eye on across the weekend.

League Two Match Day 4 Team to Watch: Walsall

Before the season, it did feel like Walsall were a few forwards short of being a top, top side. They had assembled a very strong squad in the bottom two thirds of the pitch. Promising keeper Tommy Simkin had joined on loan from Stoke, imperious Priestley Farquharson leads a strong back three, whilst the Saddlers’ midfield was has a strong argument to be the best in the league; the energy and tenacity of Jamie Jellis, the bite and tempo control of Ryan Stirk and the thrust and goal scoring prowess of Charlie Lakin forms as formidable a trio as you’ll find at this level. They did however have an underwhelming front line, so it’s therefore a surprise to see Walsall do so well in front of goal.

Forward trio Jamile Matt, Josh Gordon and Albert Adomah scored six goals between them last season, and yet, after just three games they have a goal each to their name. Walsall have clearly identified it as a problem area though, as they’ve added highly rated young forward Nathan Lowe, also on loan from Stoke City. He scored a brace on his debut in the EFL Cup, and as they host defensively open Cheltenham Town this weekend, they’ll be a side to keep an eye on.

League Two Match Day 4 Player to Watch: Alassana Jatta

The big Gambian forward may have only been in England for a short time, but he’s already made a serious impression. The Notts County talisman already has three goals to his name this campaign, two in the league and one in the cup, with his combination of height, pace and power making him a difficult prospect for defenders. He returns to Swindon this weekend, a ground where he had great success last season. He was only on the pitch for thirteen minutes at the County Ground, but still managed to find the net, and you’d anticipate he will be on the pitch from the start this weekend.

Swindon have restructured their defence, but Jatta’s impact will still live in the memory of keeper Jack Bycroft, who wore the captain’s armband that day. With Notts in better form than they were at the time of their last visit, Jatta would seem like good value to find the net again; especially if the reports that he has turned down a call up to the Gambia National Team are true.

League Two Match Day 4 Hot Prospect: Bobby Kamwa

At 24 Kamwa is on the borderline of what you would consider a prospect, but factoring in that he’s only played 52 senior league games in his entire career, we’ve decided to include him here. Scarce few players have made the impact Kamwa has at Newport County, with his confident ball carrying catching the eye early. In fact, Kamwa is the type of player you expect something to happen every time they get on the ball. He’s quick, direct, and a brilliant dribbler, ranking in the top 8% for dribbles in League 2 so far this season. Newport travel to Morecambe, who are likely to be a well drilled outfit.

Morecambe are yet to score, but have also only conceded 3 goals so far this season, so you have to expect most of their games to be very low scoring. Newport may therefore need a moment of quality to unlock the Morecambe defence, and could look to Kamwa to provide that moment. He’s already opened his account for the season; it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him add to that this weekend.

League Two Match Day 4 Game of the Week: Port Vale v Doncaster Rovers

Live on SkySports at 12:30pm on Saturday, two of the pre-season title favourites square off in what promises to be an entertaining game. It’s been a mixed start to the season for both sides, with Port Vale losing 4-0 last time out, whilst Doncaster had a wobble in the 2nd game of the season against little fancied Newport. And as weird as it sounds to say just three games into the season, the pressure is on both teams, especially home side Vale. Vale are yet to really find a tactical identity under Darren Moore, but they come up against a side who are not only one of the most enjoyable sides to watch in the division, but also one of the most settled too.

Doncaster are a fantastic ball striking side, with the likes of Molyneux and Gibson spearheading their attack. With Doncaster likely to play on the front foot, it will be a real test of Vale’s resolve. But they aren’t without attacking threats of their own. Ben Garrity, Ethan Chislett and Ronan Curtis are a trio most sides would envy, so this game promises to be one with plenty of attacking quality.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Tom Williams

Football Writer

English League Two
31/08/24 14:00
Swindon Town

Swindon Town

Notts County

Notts County

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