This weekend Walsall Football Club play host to Colchester United in the latest round of Sky Bet League One season.Walsall arrive at the match on the back of a 2-1 away defeat to previously win-less Scunthorpe United, which extends the Saddlers' poor run to just three wins in twenty-five league and cup games, a record which dates back to the January 25th 5-1 drubbing of Notts County.
WALSALL TEAM NEWS:
Walsall could be without summer signing Ashley Grimes who, along with James Chambers, was substituted during the first half of the weekends defeat to Scunthorpe United.
The duo join an ever extending injury list which also includes Sam Mantom (knee), Ben Purkiss (ankle), Matt Preston (thigh), and Jordan Cook (ankle).
During 'Transfer Deadline Day' Walsall manager Dean Smith had hinted at possible new recruits to cover the gaps, however there was no activity from the club during the day.
Dean is expected to look to the loan market once the window re-opens on Tuesday 9th September.
OUR OPPONENTS:
The U's arrive at this weekend's match on the back of a somewhat turbulent, week which saw the side lose their fourth straight league match, and ultimately led to the departure of manager Joe Dunne and assistant Mark Kinsella.
Head of Youth Tony Humes has been chosen as Dunnes' successor and is tasked with turning the U's season around, his side have just one point this season and lie in 23rd position in the league, one place below the Saddlers.
Humes made his first signing as manager during 'Transfer Deadline Day' by bringing in Byron Lawrence on a free transfer. The 18-year-old midfielder had been released by Ipswich Town.
HEAD TO HEAD:
Colchester hold a slight lead with twenty-four wins to the Saddlers' twenty-three. There have also been sixteen draws between the two.
Walsall have failed to win any of their previous three meetings but have won two of the previous five.
Their first encounter took place on 18th November 1950, with the Saddlers winning 1-0 in front of 9,584 at Layer Road.
Their most recent meeting took place at Banks's Stadium on 3rd May 2014, the U's winning 1-0 thanks to Craig Eastmond's second-half winner.
THE OFFICIALS:
This weekend's referee is scheduled to be Patrick Miller, who is based in Bedfordshire. Referee Miller has officiated over three matches so far this season, where he has issued eight yellow cards and awarded one penalty.
Ian Dudley and Paul Marsden are set to run the lines, whilst Michael Hanley will be Fourth Official.