The game on Sunday that is televised on Sky will be a huge test, and I think all true-blue supporters would gladly take a draw. Injuries have exacerbated the situation.
A lot of fans are worried that our second-choice keeper Václav Hladký might not be up to the job. I am a little less concerned. Town’s number one Christian Walton has been outstanding for the Blues since he commanded the goalkeeping jersey but remember, goalies get very little chance to prove their worth if they spend most of their days bench-warming duties. Their chances are very limited so they must take them.
And let’s not forget, Hladky was impressive against Champions League RB Leipzig a week ago when Town defeated a side that finished 3rd in the Bundesliga last season. That 1-0 victory was thanks mainly to two unsung heroes. Bangkok-born defender Elkan Baggott, and of course, Vaclav Hladky! This is the Czech’s opportunity to shine, and he must take it with both hands! He has been waiting in the wings for far too long!
At 32, Hladky is reaching his peak as a goalkeeper, and he knows only too well that if he wants to fight for that number one jersey he must perform well on Sunday, and I think he will! With Salford City, he received the Golden Glove award after keeping 22 clean sheets that season, the most in the division in 2020! He is also pretty good with saving spot-kicks, so we should not be unduly concerned that he is our stopper.
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