Don't forget to join us across our social media channels where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as the Saddlers welcome Port Vale to the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
NEWS & VIEWS
Despite failing to win any of their last four Sky Bet League Two games, the Saddlers will reach this weekend's meeting with Port Vale enjoying an increased advantage after the Valiants did them a favour in midweek.
While Walsall were holding Doncaster Rovers to a draw at the Eco-Power Stadium, Vale defeated fellow promotion chasers Bradford City as first half goals from Lorent Tolaj and Jack Shorrock saw them draw level on points with the second-placed Bantams.
Looking back upon the Saddlers' trip up north, and whilst we'd have preferred to see all three points secured, a draw that saw the team twice rebound from going behind to take a share of the spoils is still welcome.
Whilst another goal from midfield maestro Taylor Allen, this one coming in the form of a header, and super-sub Danny Johnson did plenty to lift the spirits, the team still has plenty more to do if it is to finally make it back to League One.
The faithful can forgive the odd point being dropped, but an extended run of winless games will likely see their faith tested, especially during a season that has seen the team produced a variety of strong showings, including the construction of a one twelve-point strong advantage,
With there being just six games between now and the end of the campaign, the time has come for the squad to stand up and be counted. Up the Saddlers!
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Port Vale have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
WALSALL
|
PORT VALE |
LDDDD
| WWLWW
|
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Walsall and Port Vale have met on ninety-eight previous occasions, and the Saddlers hold a comfortable win/ loss advantage, having emerged victorious forty-seven times compared to the Valiants' twenty-five.
There have also been twenty-six over the fixture's history, a history that began at the Athletic Ground on Saturday, 31st December 1892, as Burslem Port Vale and Walsall Town Swifts met in a League Division Two match, which the home side won by three goals to nil.
The two sides went on to trade victories for the next two years, with each side earning three wins from their first six encounters.
In more modern times, the Saddlers have won six of the last seven meetings, winning five times in as many games.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting took place at the Valiants' Vale Park on Saturday, 7th December 2024, and saw the Saddlers win by a goal-to-nil.
After playing out a goalless first-half, the first and only goal of the game arrived six minutes into the second forty-five as Jamille Matt bagged his sixth goal of the season after he got on the end of a Taylor Allen corner, his shot stinging the hands of the Vale 'keeper before looping over the line.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Lewis Smith who is based in Lancashire will take charge of the match with Alan Cresswell and Mark Cunliffe being named as assistant referees, whilst Richard Eley has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES
|
44
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
147
| 5
|
PENALTIES
|
11
|
