After the drama of Christmas weekend with late postponements and arguments over why, the Saddlers hopoe ot resume with this difficult encounter with 2nd placed Charlton.
Phil Parkinson’s side have progressed well during the season so far, after suffering heart-break last season when they were relegated to League One.
This game will provide an opportunity to test our credentials for a top six finish.
Walsall Team News:
Super Steveie Jones still remains an injury doubt after being out of action for the last three weeks with a groin injury.
New signing Clayton McDonald will be in the squad, but will most likely take a place on the subs bench, with Manny Smith and skipper Mark Hughes forming a formidable partnership in defence.
Player to watch: Mark Hughes
The skipper returns after suspension and will be under pressure, along with Manny Smith, after the signing of Big Mac.
He will also have to contest the match by marking former loanee Deon Burton, who will be a threat.
Charlton Team News:
Ex-Saddlers loanee Deon Burton returns from suspension, but will have to recover from a deadleg to start.
Christian Dailly should be able to replace Sam Sodje, who starts his four-match ban.
Player to watch: Deon Burton
He may not of made much of an impact in a Saddlers shirt, but as ex-Walsall strikers do, he has gone on to become a prolific goalscorer for the Addicks.
The 33-year-old has notched up five goals this season and will be looking to add to his tally.
A strong presence in any side, Burton will be a constent threat if he regains full fitness to start.
Match Facts & Stats
The last encounter between the two sides came earlier in the season, where the Addicks claimed a 2-0 win at The Valley.
The last meeting at the Banks’s was in the 1999/2000 season, where a helpless Saddlers side lost 4-2 against a Charlton side that went on to win the league title and promotion to the Premiership.
Ref Watch:
TBA
Match Prediction:
If the game goes ahead, I can see the Saddlers maybe sneaking a score draw, but a home win will prove to difficult against an in-form Charlton side.
