Walsall travel to King’s Lynn in what is the first ever meeting in any competition, which is exactly what the FA Cup is about.
It isn’t exactly a ‘David vs Goliath’ tie, but it is one where there is a clear favourite, and that tag is something that the Saddlers must deal with.
King’s Lynn
The Linnets are struggling in the National League this season and find themselves in the relegation zone after four straight defeats.
King’s Lynn are in need of a distraction, and progression against Walsall would be the perfect way to kick start their season and put their league woes behind them.
The side is made up of a lot of players who have plied their trade in non-league, but they do have the experienced Paul Jones in goal.
They also have talented loan players from the EFL, such as Luis Fernandez from Stevenage and Malachi Linton from Wycombe.
Goals have been an issue for King’s Lynn, who’s last goal came in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round. It has been the midfield who have taken up the responsibility for scoring, with the bulk of their goals.
But this is the FA Cup, and form goes out the window when the whistle blows, which is exactly what the Linnets will be thinking as the game kicks off.
Walsall
On paper, the Saddlers should win this game, but football is far from played on paper. Matt Taylor knows all about the FA Cup, and knows that a lucrative third round tie would delight all fans.
The Saddlers have been presented with an opportunity to progress, however this will count for nothing if they don’t approach the match with the right mentality.
Walsall will be backed by a strong travelling fan base, as they always are. It is the biggest tell of how important this competition is to the supporters.
Fans want to see a strong team named. The Trophy game midweek presents Taylor with the chance to rotate, but the FA Cup needs to be given a full commitment.
Unbeaten in seven, Walsall will be looking to extend that and continue building what Taylor is building with the likes of Monthe, Menayese and Miller all in good form.
Walsall have only been to the third round once in the last five seasons, it is time to start getting there more often, starting this year.
