Match Preview: v Chesterfield (A)
10/04/2024 04:00 AM
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 Walsall take on Chesterfield on Saturday afternoon.
PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS
After going unbeaten at home in the league over the opening couple of months of the new campaign, the Saddlers' run came to a crashing end in midweek as visitors Fleetwood Town scored five second-half goals to thrash their opponents 6-2.
Going into the game on the back of a simply superb 4-0 victory over Colchester United, the Saddlers had really begun to make believers of all of us. Impenetrable at the back and imperious in attack, Mat Sadler's side seemed to be on top of the world.
However, in what has to go down as one of the worst displays in modern history, they saw a narrow half-time lead turned into nothing short of a thrashing as the Fishermen ran riot, capitalising upon several off-days to take three well-deserved points.
The only focus now is on Saturday and an opportunity to bounce back against another side that is also performing above many people's expectations. Sitting 10th in the table ahead of kick-off, the Spireites have avoided defeat in their last three and will be looking to take advantage of Walsall's momentum-denting beating as they face-off at the weekend.
Their most recent game also took place in midweek as they and fellow former National League side Bromley played out a two-all draw that saw former Saddler Will Grigg net a brace.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS
Defenders Priestley Farquharson and Oisin Mcentee and striker Josh Gordon are still out with injury, whilst midfielder Jack Earing is fighting to feature against the Spireites.
FORM IN FIVE
Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Chesterfield have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.
CHESTERFIELD | WALSALL |
WLDWD | LWWWL |
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been a total of 94 competitive meetings between the Saddlers and Spireites, and it's the Saddlers that hold a small head-to-head lead vaving won 35 times compared to Chesterfield's 31. (28 draws).
The first meeting was a League Division Two clash that took place at Hilary Street, later known as Fellows Park, on Saturday, 11th November 1899, and Walsall won by six goals to three.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting was a League One clash that took place in front of 3,963 fans at the Bescot Stadium on Tuesday, 7th March 2017. Scott Laird's second-half strike proved to be enough to separate the sides.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Sebastian Stockbridge who is based in Tyne & Wear will take charge of the match with Andrew Ellis and Ryan McILravey being named as assistant referees, whilst Harley McKittrick has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED |
9 |
YELLOW CARDS | RED CARDS |
41 | 1 |
PENALTIES AWARDED |
4 |
