We welcome high flying Preston to The Banks’s Stadium as we aim to win our first league game of the 2014/15 season.
Vital Quotes:
Walsall Team News:
Walsall will welcome back former skipper Andy Butler who returned to the club on loan this week.
Romaine Sawyers is available for Dean Smith again following his return from international duty.
James Chambers, Sam Mantom, Ben Purkiss and Jordon Cook remain sidelined.
Player to watch: Andy Butler
The return of our prodigal son as definitely raised spirits this week following our six game winless run.
We have yet to win a league game when Butler hasnt played so with him in the side tomorrow we have a better chance.
Slightly harsh on whoever he replaces but I feel more confident with him at the back!
Preston Team News:
The likes of Australia’s Bailey Wright and Gibraltar’s Scott Wiseman have both returned from international duty unscathed, while Chris Humphrey is also available despite not travelling to meet up with Jamaica.
Winger Kyel Reid’s long-awaited debut is inching ever closer after he completed 90 minutes against Blackburn in the Lancashire Senior Cup on Tuesday following his knee injury.
Player to watch: Joe Garner
Garner does not need an introduction to League 1 fans given he was in top six leading goalscorers last term and already has three goals to his name this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Walsall have won just three home games in 2014, none of which have come this season.
Preston won this fixture last season with a 3-0 win.
That win by Preston was their first at WS1 since 2002.
Between both sides Walsall have won 24, Preston 22 and drew 10.
Ref Watch:
Mr G Eltrincham from Tyne is the man in the middle.
Eltrincham refereed Sheff Utd v Walsall in 2012 where he sent off Dean Holden.
Eltrincham has already given three red cards this season.
Match Prediction:
Given Preston’s great start to the season I will take another 0-0 tomorrow..However its just the kind of game we will win!
Next Fixtures:
16.09.14 – Rochdale v WALSALL
16.09.14 – PRESTON v Chesterfield
