THE MATCH PREVIEW: Vs SHREWSBURY TOWN THE MATCH PREVIEW: Vs SHREWSBURY TOWN

THE MATCH PREVIEW: Vs SHREWSBURY TOWN

This Saturday, Walsall Football Club play host to rivals Shrewsbury Town in Sky Bet League One.
This Saturday, Walsall Football Club play host to rivals Shrewsbury Town in Sky Bet League One;

Walsall head into the game on the back of a mid-week victory over Bradford City, two Craig Westcarr goals sealing the sides first win in over ten games.

The Saddlers' win-less streak had dated back to 25th January, where they demolished Notts County 5-1 at Meadow Lane, which was also the last time striker Craig Westcarr had netted before Tuesday evening's double.

The Reds will also be keen to complete the league double over their opponents, having been victorious in the reverse fixture earlier this season, Milan Lalkovic's 54th minute strike proving enough to grab all three points. The Saddlers have also enjoyed cup glory over their opponents, having beaten them 3-0 in the FA Cup First Round in November.

Walsall's only injury concern is Chelsea's Milan Lalkovic, who was substituted at half time mid-week, with a tight hamstring, they otherwise boast a fully-fit squad to select from, although manager Dean Smith is unlikely to make many changes to the starting eleven in the wake of the aforementioned mid-week win.

Shrewsbury, who are currently 22nd in the league, have won just two of their last ten league games, and only three in the whole of 2014. The Shrews drew 0-0 with Carlisle United mid-week.

Salop will make a decision on Jermaine Grandison closer to kick off, whilst Tom Bradshaw is back in training.

Shrews manager Mike Jackson may shuffle his attack, meaning a possible start for one of their loanees, Bahrudin Atajic or Sam Foley.

In midfield, Dave McAllister is out, but Aaron Wildig has recovered from his hamstring injury.

In terms of head-to-head, Walsall hold a large advantage with thirty-eight wins to the Shrews' twenty-two, there have also been twenty-four draws throughout the fixtures history. The first official clash came on 17th November 1945 during an FA Cup First Round tie, which Shrewsbury won 5-0.

Previous five results;
30 Aug '11   Walsall v Shrewsbury Town   2-1   Johnstones Paint Trophy
14 Oct '12   Shrewsbury Town v Walsall   1-0   League One
02 Mar '13   Walsall v Shrewsbury Town   3-1   League One
09 Nov '13   Walsall v Shrewsbury Town   3-0   FA Cup
14 Dec '13   Shrewsbury Town v Walsall   0-1   League One

This weekends referee is scheduled to be Robert Madley, who is based in West Yorkshire. Referee Madley, who debuted at the start of 2011/12, has officiated over twenty-four games in various competitions, where he has issued eighty-five yellow and eight red cards. He has also awarded eight penalties.

Constantine Hatzidakis and Richard West are set to be running the lines, whilst Christopher Sarginson is scheduled to be Fourth Official.
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