On Tuesday evening Walsall Football Club will play host to Sheffield United, in the latest Sky Bet League 1 fixture of the season. Our latest match preview is below.
WALSALL LATEST
Dean Smith's Walsall side arrive at the game on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Milton Keynes Dons, and will be looking to build on that encouraging result.
The Saddlers have won just one of their last six league games and will be keen to pick up three much-needed points ahead of their visit to Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Cain (Illness) is expected to be fit to play, whilst top-scorer Tom Bradshaw is suffering from a tight hamstring and may not be risked.
Left-back Andy Taylor is also a doubt after picking up a knock against Milton Keynes Dons at the weekend, Mal Benning has been recalled from his loan spell with York City and could be set to deputise.
Despite the above issues Smith still has something of a selection dilemma ahead of kick off, with Anthony Forde, Jordan Cook and Sam Mantom all playing a part in the weekend's result. Along with improved performances from James O'Connor and Tom Bradshaw, who notched the Saddlers' goal of the game.
The Saddlers have won just one of their last six league games and will be keen to pick up three much-needed points ahead of their visit to Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Cain (Illness) is expected to be fit to play, whilst top-scorer Tom Bradshaw is suffering from a tight hamstring and may not be risked.
Left-back Andy Taylor is also a doubt after picking up a knock against Milton Keynes Dons at the weekend, Mal Benning has been recalled from his loan spell with York City and could be set to deputise.
Despite the above issues Smith still has something of a selection dilemma ahead of kick off, with Anthony Forde, Jordan Cook and Sam Mantom all playing a part in the weekend's result. Along with improved performances from James O'Connor and Tom Bradshaw, who notched the Saddlers' goal of the game.
THE OPPOSITION
Nigel Clough's Blades also arrive at the game on the back of a draw, having been held to a one-all tie by Scunthorpe United.
Like Walsall, United have also won just one of their last six league games, but haven't been defeated in their last five away league games.
Sheffield United will assess Kieron Freeman and Jay McEveley ahead of the game. Whilst Chris Basham serves the final game of his two-match ban and Terry Kennedy is still two weeks away from fitness.
Midfielder Stefan Scougall (knee) and winger Ryan Flynn (hamstring) trained with the group on Monday but will not feature.
One player that Walsall won't have to come up against is former loanee midfielder Florent Cuvelier as the former Belgium Under 21 international was farmed out to Burton Albion following a lengthy injury lay-off.
Like Walsall, United have also won just one of their last six league games, but haven't been defeated in their last five away league games.
Sheffield United will assess Kieron Freeman and Jay McEveley ahead of the game. Whilst Chris Basham serves the final game of his two-match ban and Terry Kennedy is still two weeks away from fitness.
Midfielder Stefan Scougall (knee) and winger Ryan Flynn (hamstring) trained with the group on Monday but will not feature.
One player that Walsall won't have to come up against is former loanee midfielder Florent Cuvelier as the former Belgium Under 21 international was farmed out to Burton Albion following a lengthy injury lay-off.
THE FORM GUIDE - LAST FIVE LEAGUE GAMES (HOME/AWAY)
Walsall (Home)
D (1-1) Milton Keynes Dons
L (0-2) Leyton Orient
L (0-1) Port Vale
W (3-2) Rochdale
D (1-1) Gillingham
Sheffield United (Away)
D (1-1) Scunthorpe United
D (1-1) Crawley Town
W (1-2) Rochdale
W (2-1) Notts County
W (3-1) Bristol City
D (1-1) Milton Keynes Dons
L (0-2) Leyton Orient
L (0-1) Port Vale
W (3-2) Rochdale
D (1-1) Gillingham
Sheffield United (Away)
D (1-1) Scunthorpe United
D (1-1) Crawley Town
W (1-2) Rochdale
W (2-1) Notts County
W (3-1) Bristol City
LATEST MATCH ODDS
Football League title sponsor Sky Bet are currently offering match odds of; Walsall 2/1; Draw 11/5; and Sheffield United 7/5/. Click HERE to visit Sky Bet.
Meanwhile Betfair are currently offering match odds of; Walsall 2/1; Draw 23/10; Sheffield United 13/10. Click HERE to visit Betfair.
Meanwhile Betfair are currently offering match odds of; Walsall 2/1; Draw 23/10; Sheffield United 13/10. Click HERE to visit Betfair.
HEAD TO HEAD
Of the twenty-seven games played, it's Sheffield United that hold the overall lead, with twelve wins to the Saddlers' seven. There have also been eight draws during the fixture's history.
Their first meeting took place at Bramall Lane, on Saturday, 7th January 1893, and ended 3-0 to the Blades.
Later in the season, on Saturday, 15th April, the Saddlers, who were then known as Walsall Town Swifts, held United to a one-all draw.
The match, which was played at the Chuckery, would be the final game the Saddlers played at the ground before they eventually relocated to West Bromwich Road, after a brief two-game stay at the Oval in Wednesbury.
Their most recent meeting took place in front of 20,209 fans at Bramall Lane on Saturday, 20th December 2014, and ended all-square with one goal-apiece. Tom Bradshaw equalising for the Saddlers following Chris O'Grady's opener just a few minutes earlier.
Walsall captain Adam Chambers was the only player to be booked by referee Graham Horwood.
THE MATCH OFFICIALS
The Football League have assigned the match to veteran referee Mr. Robert Lewis, who is based in Shrewsbury.
Mr. Lewis, who joined the then Premiership list of referee's in 1992, has taken charge of just five games this season, in various competitions, where he has issued ten yellow and one red card. He has also awarded two penalties so far this campaign.
The most recent Walsall game officiated over by Mr. Lewis, who often operates as a Fourth Official, took place at Banks's Stadium during the 2012/13 season, the match, which was played on Saturday, 10th November 2012 was against Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town, and ended two-nil to the visitors.
Simon Ferry scored after just 57 seconds to put the visitors ahead when he lashed home a cross from Gary Roberts. Matt Ritchie then netted Swindon's second after Saddlers debutant Malvind Benning had blocked a shot from Miles Storey.
Mr. Andrew Bennett and Mr. Colin Lymer will assist the referee, whilst Mr. Mark Derrien will be Fourth Official.