Match Preview: v Accrington Stanley (A) Match Preview: v Accrington Stanley (A)

Match Preview: v Accrington Stanley (A)

Here we take a look ahead to Saturday's meeting between Stanley and the Saddlers.
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 Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium.

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

Walsall's strong start to the season continued on Tuesday evening when goals from Nathan Lowe, Jamie Jellis and Jamille Matt saw them overcome Carlisle United in front of the Sky Sports+ cameras at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Going into the game on the back of a 4-1 victory over Grimsby Town, the Saddlers were, once again, patient both on and off the ball, allowing their opponents much more time on the ball but thwarting most of their advances at the back.

Clinical finishing and disciplined performances have become the symbol of the season so far and, if that continues, they'll surely be battling it out in the upper reaches of the table for many more weeks and months.

Though Nathan Lowe is clearly the star boy - the on-loan Stoke City striker reaching eight goals in fourteen appearances - Connor Barrett is our man in form; Providing an attacking threat as well as assists, the former AFC Fylde man has been a crucial addition to the side.

WALSALL TEAM NEWS

Walsall are still without the services of Priestley Farquharson and Josh Gordon, who continue to work their way back from various injury issues.

OPPOSITION NEWS

Going into the game on the back of three wins in as many league games, Stanley's strong run was halted midweek when Milton Keynes Dons withstood plenty of pressure to win 2-1 at Stadium MK.

After failing to win any of their opening four home league games, Stanley have won two on the bounce at the Wham Stadium and will be keen to add to their tally when they welcome the Saddlers to town on Saturday.

FORM IN FIVE

Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Accrington Stanley have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.

ACCRINGTON
WALSALL
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HEAD-TO-HEAD

Walsall and the current incarnation of Accrington Stanley, which was formed in October 1968, have met on just seven previous occasions and it's Stanley that hold a narrow head-to-head advantage.

Winning four and losing three, Accrington lost the first meeting between the two sides. Taking place place at Fraser Eagle Stadium on Saturday, 21st October 2006, goals from Hector Sam and Mark Wright either side of an Ian Craney effort were enough to secure the win for the Saddlers.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting was a League Two clash that took place at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Tuesday, 27th February 2024 and saw the Saddlers win 2-1.

The first goal of the game didn't arrive until the second half, and it went the way of the visitors as Liam Gordon looked to have handled inside the area with former Saddler Jack Nolan only too happy to oblige from the spot.

Stanley's lead didn't last long, however, as on-loan Stoke City man David Okagbue was on hand to level the scores just four-minutes later with a back post header from an Isaac Hutchinson cross.

Walsall remained patient and went in search of another, potentially match-winning goal, and they were rewarded with five-minutes of normal time remaining as on-loan Norwich City man Emmanuel Adeboyega made it three goals in four games to put his side into the lead.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Scott Tallis will take charge of the match with Johnathon Bickerdike and Matthew Sowerby being named as assistant referees, whilst Paul Stonier has been selected as Fourth Official.

GAMES
OFFICIATED
9
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
44
0
PENALTIES
AWARDED
3
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