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 make their way to Plough Lane and take on AFC Wimbledon.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
As last weekend's scheduled clash with Gillingham was postponed due to a handful of international call-ups, the Saddlers have enjoyed a welcome fortnight without action, giving the squad some time to recover and prepare for a rather busy run of games.
With the most recent game coming in the form of a comfortable 3-0 EFL Trophy thrashing of League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town, the team has plenty of positives to draw upon as they look to halt a two-game winless run and edge closer to the top of the table.
Enjoying a game or two in hand over most of the league, the team has an opportunity to close in on league leaders Port Vale over the next few weeks and have every opportunity to reach the New Year in a positive position.
As there have been a couple of weeks without any meaningful action, the gaffer may well be in line to welcome some of his walking wounded back to the fold whilst some of the players who have seen plenty of action have also been afforded the opportunity to rest and relax.
With crucial league and cup games just around the corner, we hope the team will be able to hit the ground running this weekend and continue to make waves as this season is fast becoming one that dreams are made of.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Priestley Farquharson (thigh), Dylan Thomas (dislocated shoulder), and Josh Gordon (hamstring) remain on the sidelines as they continue to work their way back to fitness.
Harry Williams (concussion) could feature after completing the concussion protocol over the international break.
OPPOSITION NEWS
Opponents AFC Wimbledon sit just outside the Play-Off places ahead of kick-off and will arrive at this weekend's match on the back of a dramatic 2-2 draw with Accrington Stanley.
After failing to take any of a handful of first-half goal-scoring opportunities, the Dons went two down to their visitors in the second forty-five.
Halving the deficit via Alistair Smith's 89th-minute goal, the Dons levelled the scores via a James Tilley thunderbolt to take a welcome if somewhat luck point.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents AFC Wimbledon have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
WIMBLEDON
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WALSALL |
WLLWD
| DWWDD
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Saddlers and Dons have met on just ten previous occasions, and it's Wimbledon that hold a small head-to-head advantage winning six times compared to Walsall's four.
The first meeting took place at Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 6th August 2016, and saw Walsall win by three goals to one as Erhun Öztümer and Simeon Jackson, who netted a brace, got their names on the scoresheet.
Wimbledon's goal came via the penalty spot as Lyle Taylor slipped the ball past Neil Etheridge from the spot in the last minute of normal time.
Walsall have lost their last three meetings with AFC Wimbledon and have scored just twice across those three games with the Dons scoring ten.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting between the Saddlers and Dons was an eventful affair that took place at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday, 27th April 2024 and saw the hosts win 5-1.
The first goal of the game went the way of the Dons as Omar Bugiel opened the scoring with a well-placed header after nine minutes of play, denting the Saddlers' early hopes.
Walsall were handed an opportunity to put the game back on level terms as Mo Faal was felled inside the area with Isaac Hutchinson happy to oblige from the spot.
The Dons went back into the lead ten minutes before the break as Bugiel grabbed his second of the game as, assisted by Lee Brown for a second time, he slipped the ball past Jackson Smith and into the back of the net.
The fourth goal of the game was also scored by the Dons as Omar Bugiel completed his hat-trick to add to the Saddlers' already increasing woes.
Ronan Curtis was the next Don to see an effort hit the back of the net as Walsall looked to be capitulating on the final day of the season.
Walsall's afternoon went from bad to worse a couple of minutes after the match reached the hour mark as Mo Fall headed the ball into his own net, gifting the Dons their fifth goal of the game.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that James Durkin who is based in Dorset will take charge of the match with Garry Maskell and Jonathon Block being named as assistant referees, whilst Declan O'Shea has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
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10
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
37
| 2
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PENALTIES AWARDED
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1
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