Remember to join us on our social media channels, where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as Walsall welcome Cheltenham Town to the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
Walsall will be riding the crest of a wave when they take on the Robins on Saturday afternoon as they reach the match on the back of a superb 302 EFL Cup triumph over Huddersfield Town.
After falling two goals behind, the Saddlers mounted a superb comeback as on-loan Stoke City striker Nathan Lowe, who had earlier seen a penalty saved, grabbed a brace before Liam Gordon saw an effort deflect home to secure what would become a Third Round meeting with Leicester City.
Although expectations are high, it is important to remember that the Saddlers' most recent league outing saw them slip to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers, with Omari Patrick scoring the only goal of the game.
With the Cup triumph over Huddersfield to build upon, the Saddlers will be in prime position to bounce back, but will still need to be at their best if they are to return to winning ways.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Walsall will have to do without the services of defender Priestley Farquharson who suffered a thigh injury during the recent defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
Priestley joins the likes of Donervon Daniels, Brandon Comley and Danny Johnson in the treatment room, though DJ is edging closer to action as he continues to train at Essington.
OPPOSITION NEWS
Opponents Cheltenham Town have won one of their three league games and will reach this weekend's match on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon.
As they'd already exited the Carabao Cup at the First Round stage, Cheltenham will have the benefit of a game-free week and will likely be fighting fit as they make their way to WS1.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been just eleven competitive meetings between Walsall and Cheltenham Town, and it's the Robins that hold an overall advantage having won five times compared to the Saddlers' three.
The first meeting was an LDV Vans Trophy - Second Round match that took place at Whaddon Road on Tuesday, 2nd November 2004 and saw Walsall advance on penalties following a two-all draw in normal time.
Steve Guinan opened the scores for Cletenham before Jorge Leitao levelled in the second half. Town re-took the lead via John Brough in extra time, only for Jorge to level once again.
Darren Wrack scored Walsall's fifth penalty after Damien Spencer had seen Cheltenham's saved by Saddlers stopper Joe Murphy.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting was an EFL Trophy match that took place at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium on Tuesday, 20th September 2022, and saw the Robins win 2-1.
Walsall started the game brightly and even saw a penalty claim wrongfully waved away after Jack Earing was felled inside the area, however, they were soon on the wrong end of the opening goal as on-loan Southampton attacker Dan Nlundulu put the ball beyond Owen Evans and into the back of the net.
The Saddlers were two behind just five minutes later as Liam Sercombe doubled his side's lead as Walsall were punished for their lack of cutting edge in the final third as the home side began to look comfortable.
Walsall were ultimately able to get among the goals as second-half substitute Danny Johnson put the ball into the back of the net following Jack Earing's fine assist, though the points went to the home side.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Paul Marsden who is based in Lancashire will take charge of the match with Jake Topp and Samuel Clayton being named as assistant referees, whilst Wayne Gray has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
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3
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
18
| 0
|
PENALTIES AWARDED
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1
|