It feels like a similar introduction to that of the preview before Crawley, but this is a game Walsall must perform in.
Colchester sit in 18th place, just three points behind the Saddlers, and have a game in hand.
The reality of how close the league is can be seen through the fact that Walsall are six points from the play-off’s, but also six points from the relegation zone.
Back to back home games against teams below Walsall should see a points return of at least four, and that means a win against Colchester is a must.
Colchester United
Colchester have struggled to offer much in the league since reaching the play-off’s two seasons ago.
Last season they finished one place below the Saddlers, and this season aren’t showing signs of doing much more than that again this season.
They also have players familiar to lower league fans, such as Charlie Daniels, Frank Nouble and Tom Eastman.
The U’s have inherited some of the Ipswich players that were released, with four signing on free transfers, and one on loan, including Freddie Sears and Alan Judge.
Sears is leading the way for goals, with nine in all competitions so far.
In midfield Brendan Wiredu has been playing an important role, and will be a key player for them in the middle of the park.
Walsall
Creativity is lacking with the Saddlers, and it causing fan unrest. The tempo against Crawley was good, but only for short spells.
There are growing calls for Otis Khan to play, but it is figuring out where is best in this system, perhaps a game in the No10 role would be a chance for him.
It seems odd that Walsall are struggling considering the number of attacking players they can fit in.
Miller, Wilkinson, Kiernan and Osadebe are all good attacking outlets on their day, and with Phillips and Shade also there for backup, Walsall aren’t short on options.
Wilkinson must start offering more in terms of goal involvement if he is to hit the heights of last season, and he will know it.
Kinsella will be set to come in for Labadie, and this provides him and Earing the chance to develop a partnership together.
Elsewhere things are expected to be the same as usual, and if this is the case, they must start cutting the sloppy goals, and help support the attack more.
