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 Walsall welcome Sutton United to the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS
After a poor playing surface saw the Saddlers sit out last weekend's League Two matchday, attention has turned to this Saturday's visit of relegation-threatened Sutton United to WS1.
Heading into the match on the back of a 3-1 defeat to title-chasing Stockport County, Mat's Saddlers have an opportunity to right a few wrongs as they take on a team that thrashed them in the reverse fixture back in October.
Suffering a four-nil defeat, the Saddlers looked dead and buried against a team that appeared to be heading toward relegation before the festive season had even begun.
Whilst many still back the Amber and Chocolates for the drop, they'll still be a side to be respected, as they more than proved just a few short months ago.
Despite their recent defeat to Stockport, the Saddlers have been in good form as of late and take a four-game unbeaten home run into this weekend's match.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Head Coach Mat Sadler has a few new signings and injury returnees to select from this weekend, with the gaffer having Mo Faal and Jamie Jellis amongst his new arrivals.
On the injury front, striker Danny Johnson has broken a toe and will not be in the matchday squad as he becomes the latest in a long line of players to take a tour of the medial room.
Johnson, who has struggled for match minutes since making the permanent switch to WS1 in the summer, has scored five goals so far this season and will be hoping to have more of an impact when he is cleared for action.
Meanwhile, defender Harry Williams and forward Aramide Oteh remain on the sidelines, whilst Joe Riley, Ross Tierney, and Jamille Matt could feature after overcoming their recent injuries.
OPPOSITION NEWS
Despite failing to win any of their last four league games, Sutton United have been in steadily improving form as of late and will have a promising draw with Mansfield Town to build upon as they make their way to the Black Country.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Sutton United have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
WALSALL
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SUTTON UNITED |
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been just five competitive meetings between Walsall and Sutton United, and it's the Saddlers who hold the Head-to-Head advantage having won on two occasions compared to Sutton's one, with the other two games ending all-square.
The first meeting between the two sides took place at the VBS Community Stadium on Saturday, 30th October 2021, and was separated by just one goal as on-loan Leicester City forward Tyrese Shade netted in the sixty-sixth minute.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting between Walsall and Sutton United took place at Gander Green Lane on Saturday, 7th October 2023, and saw Sutton win by a comfortable four-goals-to-nil.
Despite starting the game well, the Saddlers fell behind with six minutes on the clock as Omari Patrick put the ball into the back of the net with a sweetly-struck free-kick.
Sutton's second goal arrived six minutes later as Harry Smith, who was aided by a poor header from Donervon Daniels, netted via a superb volley that gave Owen Evans no chance. A truly dismal start for the Saddlers.
Walsall's woes continued with twenty-seven minutes on the clock as Harry Smith was credited with his second goal though Joe Riley seemed to be the last man to touch the ball before it crossed the line.
Sutton's fourth goal of the first half saw Haer Smith hit the back of the net once again, as Walsall's backline, midfield, and attack showed no signs of making a comeback.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Ross Joyce who is based in Cleveland, will be the man in the middle, whilst Daniel Flynn and Jack Clench have been named assistant referees. Simon Mather will act as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
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22
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PENALTIES AWARDED
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3
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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.
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