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 the Saddlers take on Port Vale in a televised top-of-the-table clash.
PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS
After crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Charlton Athletic last weekend, the Saddlers returned to league action in midweek as they took on Notts County at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Looking to at least keep pace with title rivals, and this weekend's opponents, Port Vale, Mat Sadler's men had to remain patient and focused as the visiting Magpies fancied their chances, especially after their hosts had struggled to hold Bromley to a draw just a week earlier.
However, after playing out a goalless first forty-five minutes, Walsall went into the lead via Taylor Allen's defence-bewildering corner kick that curled into the back of the net.
Keen to keep their foot on the pedal, the Saddlers were soon two goals ahead as on-loan Birmingham City man George Hall scored his second of the campaign.
The visitors got back into the game later in the second half as Harry Williams gave away a penalty that David McGoldrick happily put beyond Tommy Simkin, who deserved better from his defensive colleagues after producing several fine saves.
However, Walsall were soon back ahead by two goals, as Stoke City prospect Nathan Lowe added to his earlier assist by scoring for the twelfth time in a Saddlers shirt.
The visitors kept at it and went on to make the score 3-2 deep into second-half stoppage time as Jack Hinchy volleyed home, with the referee calling time a couple of minutes later.
Though the performance was far from one of the best of the season, the result speaks for itself. Strong and determined, the team continues to demonstrate a welcome ability to ride out the storm before capitalising upon opportunities in the final third.
This weekend's trip to Stoke-on-Trent is undoubtedly a huge game, with a win meaning the Saddlers will reach the summit of the table ahead of another busy spell of games. But it's important to remember that the season can't be won or lost in mid-December.
But, with four more league games scheduled between this weekend and the turn of the year, a strong run of form couple put the Saddlers in the driving seat as they look to finally climb out of the fourth tier and back into League One.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Jamie Jellis (calf) could be back in contention, though was described as 'touch and go' by Mat Sadler. Jamie's midfield colleague Brandon Comley (broken jaw) will miss the next few weeks.
Priestley Farquharson (thigh) has suffered a setback that will see him out for six to eight weeks, whilst Dylan Thomas (dislocated shoulder) and Josh Gordon (hamstring) also remain on the sidelines.
OPPOSITION NEWS
Opponents Port Vale were also in action on Tuesday evening as they made their way to Gloucestershire and took on Cheltenham Town at the EV Charger Ponts Stadium.
Falling behind to former Saddler George Miller's second-half opener, Ronan Curtis struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to snatch a point and retain his side's place at the top of the table ahead of this weekend's match.
Vale have lost just one of their last fourteen games but haven't won In two as their last couple of games (Cheltenham Town and Crewe Alexandra) resulted in draws.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Port Vale have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
PORT VALE
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WALSALL |
WLWDD
| DDWDW
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
Walsall and Port Vale have met on ninety-seven previous occasions, and the Saddlers hold a comfortable win/ loss advantage, having emerged victorious forty-six times compared to the Valiants' twenty-five.
There have also been twenty-six over the fixture's history, a history that began at the Athletic Ground on Saturday, 31st December 1892, as Burslem Port Vale and Walsall Town Swifts met in a League Division Two match, which the home side won by three goals to nil.
The two sides went on to trade victories for the next two years, with each side earning three wins from their first six encounters.
In more modern times, the Saddlers have won five of the last six meetings, winning four times in as many games.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting was a League Two clash that took place in front of 6,840 fans at the Banks's Stadium on Saturday, 23rd April 2022, and saw the Saddlers win 2-0.
The first goal of the game arrived during the second-half of the game as substitute Sam Perry, who had taken the place of an injured Joss Labadie in the opening forty-five, hit the back of the net - the midfield man opening his account for the season.
Walsall went on to seal the win in second-half stoppage time as Emmanuel Osadebe, who had assisted Perry's opener, netted a goal of his own to seal the points for the Saddlers.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Benjamin Speedie who is based on Merseyside will take charge of the match with Emily Carney and Joe Simpson being named as assistant referees, whilst Stuart Morland has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED
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17
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YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
52
| 0
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PENALTIES AWARDED
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2
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