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Pre-Match News & Views
The Saddlers are in the midst of a welcome run of form. By avoiding defeat in any of their last four all-competition outings, Matthew Taylor's men have given themselves some welcome breathing space over the dropzone whilst also opening their EFL Trophy campaign with a win.
Heading into the match on the back of the midweek Trophy triumph over Brighton's Under-23s, the Saddlers will be looking to open a gap over opponents Newport County, who are currently sat 19th in the table, just two places below the Saddlers' 17th.
Although these are still very early days, it's encouraging to see the team able to battle for wins and draws, and we remain hopeful that they can add to their recent points haul over the coming days and weeks.
Injuries to Rory Holden and Conor Wilkinson, along with the three-game suspension of club captain Joss Labadie, means the manager will once again have to consider his options, with on-loan Barnsley man George Miller likely to lead the line.
Opponents Newport are winless in their last four league games and reach the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Northampton Town - the Cobblers securing the win via Jon Guthrie's first-half goal.
Manager Michael Flynn admitted he felt he got his selection wrong for the defeat to Northampton, although he also insisted his players had let themselves down, so may well make a few changes for Saturday’s meeting at Rodney Parade.
Head to Head
Walsall and Newport County have met on sixty-six previous occasions and it's the Exiles who hold a narrow Head-to-Head lead, having won on twenty-six previous occasions compared to the Saddlers' twenty-three.
There have also been seventeen draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Fellows Park on Saturday, 8th October 1927 as the two sides met in a Division Three (South) clash which Newport won by three-goals-to-nil.
There have also been seventeen draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Fellows Park on Saturday, 8th October 1927 as the two sides met in a Division Three (South) clash which Newport won by three-goals-to-nil.
Man in the Middle
The EFL has confirmed that Lee Swabey, who is based in Devon, will be the man in the middle, whilst Andrew Hendley and Grant Taylor have been named assistant referees. Marvyn Amphlett will act as Fourth Official.
GAMES
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3
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
4
| 0
|
PENALTIES
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0
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Catch the Match
You 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.
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