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 take on Grimsby Town.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
Walsall open 2024 with an awayday clash against Grimsby Town, and, following a successful festive period that saw them defeat Crewe Alexandra and Wrexham, they'll be looking to continue their recent momentum into the New Year.
Winning four of their last five league games, the Saddlers have gone a long way towards putting the threat of relegation well and truly behind them with the side sitting a comfortable sixteen points above the dropzone at the time of writing.
In fact, Walsall could be forgiven for thinking their woes are behind them as, after securing their recent wins, they're now within touching distance of the coveted Play-Off places, though they could just as easily slip back towards trouble as they remains very little to separate the teams as we straddle the halfway point on the season.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Walsall's injury woes show little sign of coming to an end as, along with the long-term absentee Aramide Oteh, defender Oisin McEntee looks set to be out for several weeks whilst Ryan Stirk, Joe Riley, and Ross Tierney could be available ahead of the clash with Stockport County on 13th January.
OPPOSITION NEWS
Grimsby Town were able to break a run of winless games on Friday evening as they recorded a comfortable three-nil triumph over struggling Salford City.
Goals from Harry Clifton (40'), Toby Mullarkey (71'), and Danny Rose (85') saw the Mariners end their latest streak at three games, giving them a ten-point advantage over 23rd-placed Sutton United.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Grimsby Town have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
GRIMSBY TOWN
|
WALSALL |
WDLLW
| WWLWW
|
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been sixty-nine competitive meetings between Walsall and Grimsby Town and it's the Saddlers who hold an overall head-to-head lead having won thirty-two occasions, with the Mariners securing the win twenty-four times.
There have been thirteen draws over the history of the fixture. A history which began at the Chuckery on Saturday, 22nd October 1892 as Walsall Town Swifts and Grimsby Town met in a League Division Two clash, the home side winning 3-1.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting between the Saddlers and Mariners took place at Poundland Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 26th August 2023 and saw the spoils shared as Ryan Stirk's second-half effort cancelled out Abo Eisa's opener.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Ed Duckworth who is based in Cheshire, will be the man in the middle, whilst Mark Jones and Richard Wigglesworth have been named assistant referees. Garreth Rhodes will act as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
|
19
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
84
| 3
|
PENALTIES AWARDED
|
3
|
CATCH THE MATCH
If you're not planning on going to the game you can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of every Saddlers game.
Not an iFollow Walsall subscriber? There are a range of options available, including monthly, annual, and gift subscriptions. For further information on the service, or to set up your subscription, click HERE.