Interestingly Crewe have announced their intent to field an 'Academy XI' for this fixture, in a move that is sure to disappoint supporters on both sides hoping for a competitive game to end the season.
Similar to last week's opponents Bury, The Saddlers faced Crewe last October, during the club's mid-season slump, which saw them win-less in seventeen, then, The Railwaymen were held to a draw in an encounter which led columnist Calum Williams to declare "There were certainly a lot of positives to take from the game, Walsall dominating for the most part of the first half with Flo Cuvelier and Will Grigg having good games. But the Saddlers often seem to switch off in the final minutes, and find themselves hanging on. When there are so many positives to take from games, Walsall fans will be wondering how their team is still without a win in October. But with the effort and work rate shown in recent weeks, surely points will come the way of the Saddlers sooner rather than later?!" in his Match Report.
Sadly for the Saddlers they're no longer in contention for the play-off places having drawn six of their last seven games, however the club can be very proud of their achievements this season, having been favourites for relegation at the beginning of the campaign, to be ending it in the top half is a massive step forward for a side which had been battling relegation for the last two seasons. Lets hope this season will be a launchpad for the next and the clubs 125 year celebrations can be coupled with a promotion party.
Unfortunately The Saddlers still have a couple of niggling injuries going into the weekend, club captain Andy Butler has already ruled himself out of contention after struggling to overcome a broken toe, and left-back Andy Taylor is again a doubt with a hamstring strain.
The referee assigned the game is Surrey-based Carl Berry who has issued 77 yellow and six red cards in twenty-nine games.
As tomorrow is the final away game of the season it is time for the annual tradition of wearing fancy dress for the fixture. If you're planning to partake in the fun, and would like to show off your costume to Saddlers fans worlwide, send us your pictures of you and your friends and we'll publish them here on BescotBanter.net
Email your images to; [email protected]
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