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 welcome Crewe Alexandra to the Poundland Bescit Stadium.
PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS
The second-placed Saddlers welcome fifth-placed Crewe Alexandra to the Poundland Bescot Stadium this weekend as they look to use the momentum gained from their recent FA Cup triumph over Bolton Wanderers and take three more points.
After drawing their most recent league outing - the Saddlers and Accrington Stanley playing out a goalless draw earlier this month - Mat Sadler's men will be keen to at least keep pace with table-topping Port Vale, who take on the rapidly declining Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.
Performing way above many pundits' expectations, the Saddlers have more than proven themselves as a force in League Two but will have to keep on pushing for many more weeks if they are to truly challenge for a place in League One next season.
Breakout performances from the likes of Connor Barrett, Jamie Jellis and Nathan Lowe have been complimented by several of their teammates' displays, especially when you consider just how many injuries have impacted the manager's selections over the opening portion of the campaign.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Priestley Farquharson (thigh), Dylan Thomas (dislocated shoulder), and Josh Gordon (hamstring) will all be absent as they work their way back to fitness.
Joining the walking wounded is defender Harry Williams who was forced off with a concussion and a facial injury against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup last weekend after he collided with the advertising boards in the first-half.
OPPOSITION NEWS
Opponents Crewe Alexandra weren't as successful as the Saddlers in the FA Cup last weekend as Dion Pereira’s second-half penalty helped Dagenham & Redbridge secure their lace in the Second Round.
Looking at League Two and the Alex have been in fine fettle as of late losing just one of their last ten outings and none of their last five.
Their last league game saw a Shilow Tracey brace and a header from Joel Tabiner help them to a comeback win over Tranmere Rovers.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Crewe Alexandra have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
WALSALL
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CREWE |
LDWWD
| WDDWW
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been 78 competitive meetings between Walsall and Crewe Alexandra, and the Saddlers hold an overall Head-to-Head lead, having won on 32 occasions, compared to Crewe's 25. The spoils have been shared on some 21 previous occasions.
Their first meeting was a League Division Two match that took place at the Alexandra Recreation Ground on Saturday, 5th November 1892, and saw the sides engage in a goal-fest which Walsall Town Swifts won 6-5.
Walsall would remain undefeated for the next six meetings between the two, with Crewe's first win not arriving until Saturday, 22nd April 1922 as they won two-nil at the original Gresty Road.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting between the Saddlers and Railwaymen took place at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Boxing Day, Tuesday, 26th December 2023 and saw Walsall win by two-goals-to-nil.
The game's first goal arrived with twelve minutes of the first half remaining and went the way of the Saddlers, as Freddie Draper continued his superb season by heading Ryan Stirk's well-placed corner into the back of the Crewe net.
Walsall doubled their lead sixteen minutes into the second half as Oisin McEntee glanced a header home for another of Stirk's well-placed corners.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Stephen Parkinson will take charge of the match with Ceri Williams and Mark Cunliffe being named as assistant referees, whilst Andrew Ellis has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
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10
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
45
| 3
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PENALTIES AWARDED
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3
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