Don't forget to join across social media, where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as Darrell Clarke and his Saddlers return to action on Saturday afternoon.
News and Views
Following their midweek victory over Crawley Town, which saw veteran defender Mat Sadler grab the only goal of the game to secure three welcome points, attention turns to this weekend's cup clash with Bristol Rovers.
Darrell Clarke's side have been in fairly steady form so far this season, not losing many but not winning many either. The gaffer will be looking for a repeat of their midweek win over Crawley as his side look to secure a place in the Second Round of the world's oldest domestic cup competition.
The manager could call upon a few of his recent absentees as he looks to keep his squad fresh as the busy sell of games continues.
A team which Clarke is more than familiar with, Bristol Rovers are winless in their last three league outings and would no doubt welcome a return to winning ways against one of their former managers.
The Pirates' most recent outing also took place in midweek but saw them defeated as Peterborough United continued their strong start to the 2020/21 League One campaign thanks to a two-nil win.
Head to Head
There have been one-hundred and three competitive meetings between Walsall and Bristol Rovers and it's the Pirates who hold a small head-to-head lead having tasted victory on forty-one occasions, compared to the Saddlers' thirty-nine
There have been twenty-three draws over the history of the fixture. A history which began at the Eastville Stadium on Saturday, 27th August 1927 as Rovers and Walsall met in a high-scoring Division Three (South) clash, the home side winning 5-2.
The most recent meeting took place on Tuesday, 8th September and saw the Saddlers secure a bonus-point victory after the initial EFL Trophy - Southern Group D had ended in a two-all draw.
Zak Jules and Josh Gordon grabbed Walsall's goals in normal time with Tom Mehew and Jonah Ayunga netting for Rovers. Walsall won the penalty shoot-out 4-2 and took a welcome extra point from their trip to the Memorial Stadium.
Man in the Middle
We now know that Ross Joyce, who is based in Cleveland, will be the man in the middle with Leigh Crowhurst and Steven Plane being named as assistant referees, whilst Richie Watkins will act as Fourth Official.
GAMES
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10
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YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
34
|
1
|
PENALTIES
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3
|
Catch the Match
As we're still unable to attend the game in person we can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of each and every Saddlers match.
Not a iFollow Walsall subscriber? A range of options are available, including monthly, annual and gift subscriptions along with a £10 video pass which will enable you to watch the match.
You can purchase a subscription, or find further information on the service by clicking HERE.