Broadcast live on ITV4, the match will be an interesting clash for diehards and interested followers of other clubs alike as the Saddlers take on a team from several divisions below.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
Walsall will be back in cup action on Friday evening as they make their way to Kent and Holm Park where they are due to take on Isthmian League - South East Division side Sheppey United in the First Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup.
Looking to rebound from last weekend's narrow defeat to Mansfield Town, a result that saw the Saddlers' latest unbeaten spell halted after three games without defeat, Mat Sadler's side have to make sure not to take their opponents lightly.
With goals not really being a problem, the Saddlers have scored ten goals across their last five games in all competitions, attention turns to the backline, and their ongoing battle against late goals and, more crucially, dropped points.
As Sheppey United are something of an unknown quantity we hope the gaffer will opt to field a strong starting line-up and give himself the best chance to avoid an upset and, all being well, secure a place in the draw for the Second Round.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
The Saddlers' injury crisis continues to play a major role in the season, with a raft of players including Priestley Farquharson, Harry Williams, Jack Earing, and Aramide Oteh currently forced to sit on the sidelines.
Oisin McEntee and Freddie Draper are also doubts for the game with Head Coach Mat Sadler facing a major selection headache on Friday evening.
OPPOSITION NEWS
The Ites are no strangers to the FA Cup as they have already beaten Midhurst & Easebourne, Kennington, Burgess Hill Town, Merthyr Town, and Billericay Town to take their place in this stage of the competition.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The FA recently confirmed that Tom Reeves who is based in Warwickshire, will be the man in the middle, whilst Adrian Tranter and Michael Webb have been named assistant referees. Experienced official Charles Breakspear will act as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
|
13
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
45
| 1
|
PENALTIES AWARDED
|
5
|
CATCH THE MATCH
The Saddlers' first-ever meeting with Sheppey will be broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm, as both clubs are set to benefit from a healthy financial boost thanks to the UK's largest commercial broadcaster.
Along with video, audio options will also be provided as the club's in-house service, iFollow Walsall, is, as always, covering the game LIVE!
All you need is an iFollow audio match pass which costs just £2.50 per game and is available by visiting the official iFollow Walsall site, here, where you will also find audio pass options as well as an annual subscription.
Fans will also be able to listen to the game via BBC Radio WM, as coverage is available via their 95.6FM frequency, Freeview channel 722 and DAB stations across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Fans will also be able to listen to the game via BBC Radio WM, as coverage is available via their 95.6FM frequency, Freeview channel 722 and DAB stations across Birmingham and the Black Country.