This coming Tuesday evening, Walsall play host to Premier League side Crystal Palace in the Second Round of the Capital One Cup.Walsall arrive at the game following a 0-0 draw with recently-rich Leyton Orient, their second draw in three league matches, third in four.
Following the match, Saddlers' manager Dean Smith was keen to point out the positives of his side's performance, with the team withstanding heavy first-half pressure to add another point to the board.
The Saddlers do however continue their lengthy streak of poor form, with just two wins in twenty two matches, dating back to the 5-1 thrashing of Notts County, in January 2014.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS:
Walsall will be without summer signing Jordan Cook, who continues to recover from a slight ankle fracture. Right-back Ben Purkiss continues to miss out after rolling his ankle during pre-season training.
Midfield man Sam Mantom is hoping to get back into action soon, with manager Dean Smith encouraging the ex-West Brom man to play through the pain barrier.
Veteran defender James Chambers is expected to make a quick recovery from a hamstring strain and could feature, alongside summer signing James O'Connor, who was fit enough for a place on the bench at the weekend.
OUR OPPONENTS:
Manager-less Crystal Palace have endured a somewhat difficult start to the season, with the sudden departure of last season's saviour Tony Pulis, coupled with league defeats to both Arsenal and West Ham United, the Eagles will be keen to progress in the Cup and begin to build some belief amongst both players and supporters.
Caretaker manager Keith Millen will have his work cut out as his team face a Walsall side, keen to take advantage of their opponents back-room issues.
Former Saddler Scott Dann could play a part in the match having overcome fears of a torn quad, the defender did fail a late fitness test ahead of last weekend's match against West Ham.
Midfielder Joe Ledley pulled out of the weekends match after picking up a knock during the warm-up, and is expected to miss out once again.
HEAD TO HEAD:
Of the sixty-five matches played, it's Palace who have the lead, with thirty-one wins to the Saddlers' seventeen. There have also been seventeen draws during the fixture's history.
Their first encounter took place on 14th January 1928, a Division Three (South) fixture at Fellows Park, that ended in a 1-1 draw.
In more modern times, their last meeting took place on 23rd August 2005 in the League Cup, Palace won the match 3-0, at Selhurst Park.
THIS SEASON'S RECENT FORM:
Walsall - DWDLD
Palace - LL - - -
THE OFFICIALS:
Tuesday's referee is scheduled to be, Darren Drysdale, who is based in Lincolnshire. Antony Coggins and Robert Massey-Ellis are set to run the lines, whilst Mark Heywood will be Fourth Official.