Express & Star

Plenty of options at Walsall for Dean Smith

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Boss Dean Smith admits he has plenty of options to choose from as Walsall prepare to kick off their League One campaign.

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Oldham will be the visitors to the Banks's Stadium on Saturday, as the Saddlers bid to make a winning start to the 2015-16 season.

Exactly how Smith's men will line up for has been cause for debate among fans, with the manager in pre-season.

After opting for a 3-5-2 system for the final friendlies against West Brom and Luton Town, Smith may start that way against the Latics.

He said: "The 3-5-2 formation has definitely given me something to think about. Against Luton, the three at the back looked very comfortable.

"But, as an attacking outfit, I also thought we were very good. We kept the ball well and were camped in their half, at times. We created a

lot of chances.

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"It just shows what an attacking formation it is. What's important is that the players go out and believe in it. But they have done that over the last two games."

Smith is now looking forward to the competitive action getting underway, with defender Matt Preston his only minor injury doubt.

Meanwhile, Smith's hunt to improve his squad goes on, with Spanish trialist Adrian Pazo featuring against Luton.

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The former Celta Vigo man started at centre-back but there was no place in the squad for fellow trialist Zac Thompson – a player Smith has

admitted he would like to sign.

He said: "I thought Pazo did OK against Luton. It was always going to be tough for him. He has never played three at the back before. But the system worked and he was part of it.

"Thompson, I've not heard from since Thursday. That looks like it's dead in the water."