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 the U's at the JobServe Community Stadium.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
After winning some nine league games in a row, the Saddlers are now without a win in their last three and, as their lead at the top of the table continues to shrink, are in dire need of a return to winning ways.
Last weekend's bounce-back draw with fellow promotion-chasers Salford City, which saw Danny Johnson come off the bench to score a point-saving brace, will provide plenty of belief, but mustn't be seen as a success.
Transitioning from a team that was all-but water-tight at the back to one which can at times seem vulnerable to an onrushing attack, the team has to find a way of returning to the form that saw them build a commanding advantage at the top of the table.
The loss of Nathan Lowe's goals have undoubtedly impacted the side, but DJ's Ammies cameo, and the recent win over MK Dons proves that there are still plenty of goals in this team, it's just a case of finding the right partnership up front.
In defence, however, it's difficult to know what's changed, the line-up has been consistent throughout much of the campaign, but has begun to take on goals.
Conceding thirteen in their last five all-competition games, the backline needs more support if the recent run of form is to come to an end. Hopefully, this will begin on Saturday afternoon with a strong showing against the U's.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Walsall will be without the services of Priestley Farquharson (thigh) Donervon Daniels (calf) Jack Earing (ankle), and George Hall (hamstring). Whilst Jamille Matt could also miss out.
Deadline Day signings Alfie Chang (Birmingham City), Ellis Harrison (Milton Keynes Dons), and Darius Lipsiuc (Stoke City) could all feature as the Saddlers look to return to winning ways.
OPPOSITION NEWS
After losing twice in as many games, the U's are unbeaten in their last four and will reach this weekend's match hot on the heels of a 3-1 victory over strugglers Tranmere Rovers.
Lyle Taylor's brace, along with an effort from Owura Edwards, saw them edge fourteen points clear of the relegation zone, whilst also narrowing the gap on the Play-Off places.
The U's were also active on Deadline Day as they signed Anthony Scully from Portsmouth, recruited Brentford forward Kyreece Lisbie, brought back defender Kane Vincent-Young on a short-term deal, and signed Ken Aboh on loan from Norwich City ahead of the 11.00pm deadline.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Colchester United have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
COLCHESTER
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WALSALL |
LWDWW
| WWLLD
|
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been seventy-seven competitive meetings between Walsall and U's, and it's the Saddlers who hold a very small head-to-head advantage, having won on twenty-eight occasions, compared to Colchester's twenty-five.
There have also been twenty-four draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Layer Road on Saturday, 18th November 1950 as the two sides met in a Division Three (South) clash which took place in front of 9,584 and saw Harry Hibbs' Saddlers win by one-goal-to-nil as Phil Chapman netted the only goal of the game twelve minutes into the second half.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting between the two took place at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 28th September 2024, and saw the Saddlers win by a comfortable four-goals-to-nil.
Despite something of a slow start, it was the Saddlers who opened the scoring as Jamie Jellis capped off a sweeping attack to poke the ball home after a display of close control. The goal had a fair helping of luck, but they'll take it.
Walsall doubled their lead in the second half when substitute Albert Adomah was on hand to prod the ball over the line after a well-worked ball into the box.
The Saddlers' third goal of the game came just a few minutes from time as Jack Earing sealed the points after coming off the bench earlier in the half.
Jack Earing also netted the fourth goal of the game as Walsall rose to the top of the table, with a welcome increase to their tally of goals scored.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Lee Swabey who is based in Devon will take charge of the match with Leigh Crowhurst and Adrian Tranter being named as assistant referees, whilst Paul Kelly has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES
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18
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
80
| 1
|
PENALTIES
|
6
|
