We welcome Crawley to the Banks’s Stadium as they look to play their first game in a month due to bad weather and as we aim to go back into the top 6.
Vital Quotes:
Dean Smith ‘We know that our visitors will be itching to get back into action and we will have to make sure that we start well because they will come quickly out of the traps.
The lads will take a lot of belief from our display at London Road; we`re as fit as anyone and train with enough intensity to be ready for games.
Anyone can beat each other at this level and we know that the only reason Crawley are down there is because they have played fewer games than anyone else’
Crawley skipper, Josh Simpson ‘It will be a tough game but one we are looking forward to,” added Josh. “They like to play and have some good players and have been in and around the play-offs all season.
“But we`ve got a really good group now and the new lads have fitted in really well. They are looking forward to putting the shirt on for the first time.”
Walsall Team News:
Walsall will be without Andy Taylor who is still out with a knee injury. Mal Benning is set to continue at left back.
Player to watch: Sam Mantom
After failing to score in our last two games I decided to pick a man who goes unoticed. Sam Mantom has been a rock for us in the middle of the park this season and I would even suggest he’s probably playing his best football in a Walsall shirt….cant believe its not Scholes.
Crawley Team News:
Reds have a fully fit squad for the fixture with new signings Rory Fallon, Paul Connolly, Sullay Kaikai and Hiram Boateng all included in the squad.
Player to watch: Mat Sadler
I always pick out former Saddlers and Mat Sadler is someone who I rated highly whilst he was here. A composed full back who was willing to go forward, Andy Taylor is much better but Sadler can cause us problems.
Match Facts & Stats
Walsall have faced Crawley three times in our history, drawing on all three occasions.
Walsall go into the game having only lost one game in 2014, but havent scored in last two.
Crawley havent played since 25th January and now face 7 games in hand on teams around them.
Ref Watch:
Mr Kevin Wright from Cambridge is the man in the middle.
Wright hasnt officiated a Walsall game in the last four years.
So far this season he has dished out 33 yellows, two red cards and two penalties.
Match Prediction:
Crawley certainly wont be fatigued during tomorrows game but maybe a little rusty. I will go for a 3-0 Walsall win.
Next Fixtures:
01.03.14 – Preston v Walsall
25.02.14 – Swindon v Crawley
