Walsall v Bolton Wanderers: Match Preview
Today at 04:30 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 Bolton Wanderers in the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
PRE-MATCH NEWS & VIEWS
After scoring seven goals in their two previous games, the Saddlers suddenly became incapable of scoring last weekend, as they and Accrington Stanley played out a goalless draw at the Wham Stadium.
Although the lack of cutting-edge was a disappointment, we're always happy to take a point on the road, especially as the Saddlers continue to show plenty of defensive strength and attacking desire.
Scoring two goals and picking up an average of two points per league game, Mat Sadler's side is in superb form and will be looking to continue that as they focus on Bolton Wanderers and the FA Cup.
After knocking two League One clubs out of the Carabao Cup, the Saddlers are not in danger of being intimidated, although the Trotters have been in superb form recently, losing just one of their last eight league games (W6, D1).
Looking at their cup form and Bolton also made it to Round Three of the EFL Cup, but they were thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in late September.
WALSALL INJURY UPDATE
Priestley Farquharson (thigh), Dylan Thomas (dislocated shoulder), and Josh Gordon (hamstring) will all be absent as they continue to work their way back to fitness.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Walsall and Bolton Wanderers have met on twenty-six previous occasions, and it's the Trotters who hold an overall lead having won thirteen times compared to the Saddlers' nine.
There have also been four draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Fellows Park on Saturday, 25th November 1899 as the two sides met in a League Division Two clash which would see four goals scored but would ultimately end all-square at two-all.
Bolton would go on to win the reverse fixture by two goals to nil with the match, which took place on Saturday, 31st March 1900, being their last meeting until March 1972 - an encounter which saw Walsall win by one-goal-to-nil.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting was a League Two clash that took place at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday, 20th March 2021 and saw the Trotters win 2-1.
Academy graduate Sam Perry grabbed his first senior goal with a superb left-footed strike which gave Bolton 'keeper Matt Gilks no chance.
Sadly for the Saddlers they were unable to keep hold of their lead as Kieran Lee was alert to head the ball home after Liam Roberts had made an initial save as the cross had taken a deflection off one of his own defenders.
The pain wouldn't end there however, as six-minutes after Hayden White had seen red for violent conduct the Trotters were awarded a penalty for a Mat Sadler foul on Lee giving Eoin Doyle the chance to put his side into the lead, which he duly did.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The FA confirmed that Ruebyn Ricardo who is based in Leicestershire will take charge of the match with Thomas Staten and Kevin Morris being named as assistant referees, whilst Jason Roberts has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES OFFICIATED |
14 |
YELLOW CARDS | RED CARDS |
84 | 3 |
PENALTIES AWARDED |
3 |
