Match Preview: v AFC Wimbledon (H)

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 AFC Wimbledon to the Poundland Besot Stadium.

PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS

Going six games without a win, Walsall's most recent outing took place at the Priestfield Stadium last weekend and saw them and Gillingham play out a goalless draw, as the Saddlers' lead at the top of the table now stands at just one point.

Making a raft of international duty forced changes, the team took their time to grow into the game but could probably count themselves unlucky not to have scraped by with the win as the Gills held firm against some late pressure.

With just eight games remaining between now and the summer break, the Saddlers can ill afford a continuation of the form that has allowed second-placed Bradford City to close the once-twelve-point gap down to just a single point.

Heading onto the game, Head Coach Mat Sadler has confirmed that some of his injury issues are beginning to ease and, as the international players are now back in the country, should be able to field a stronger team on Saturday afternoon.

WALSALL TEAM NEWS

On the injury front, Priestley Farquharson (thigh), Josh Gordon (hamstring), and Jack Earing (ankle) remain on the sidelines.

Connor Barrett is also out via suspension.

OPPOSITION NEWS

Opponents AFC Wimbledon, sit third in the table ahead of kick-off and also arrive at this weekend's match on the back of a draw as Barrow scored in the sixth-minute of second half stoppage time to force a draw.

Winning just two of their last eight, the Dons have been aided by several of their promotion rivals also failing to capitalise upon Walsall's recent form, with no team really able to punish the Saddlers for their ongoing dip.

FORM IN FIVE

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

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Saddlers and Dons have met on just eleven previous occasions, and it's Wimbledon that hold a small head-to-head advantage, winning six times compared to Walsall's five.

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.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent competitive meeting took place at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, and saw the Saddlers take the win by a goal-to-nil.

The first and only goal of the contest didn't arrive until the second half, when Nathan Lowe netted his eleventh all-competition goal of the campaign when he got on the end of an inviting David Okagbue cross to slot the ball over the line.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Matt Corlett who is based on Merseyside will take charge of the match with Marc Wilson and Grant Taylor being named as assistant referees, whilst Jacob Lehane has been selected as Fourth Official.