Don't forget you can join across social media, where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as Darrell Clarke and his Saddlers return to action on Saturday afternoon.
News and Views
Three all-competition defeats in a row has seen the pressure increase on both manager Darrell Clarke and his first-team squad.
Despite suffering just two defeats in the league so far this season, the team are in the midst of a poor run of form as they seemingly bounce between poor and downright dismal displays with positivity becoming something of a premium.
Last weekend's defeat to bottom-of-the-table Southend United saw the Saddlers once again unable to capitalise upon their goal-scoring chances as, along with a few opportunities in open play, striker Elijah Adebayo saw a spot-kick hit the crossbar when the game was all-square.
Whilst the men in red created nineteen shots last Saturday afternoon, only five were on target, as the team continues to lack the attacking endeavour displayed by Josh Gordon. The quicker he is able to return the better!
Opponents Cheltenham Town will arrive at this weekend's match on the back of a 2-1 victory over Carlisle United with the third-placed Robins looking to at least maintain the gap between them and league-leaders Newport County.
Head to Head
There have been just eight competitive meetings between Walsall and Cheltenham Town and it's the Saddlers who hold a small head-to-head lead won three times compared to the Robins' two.
There have been three draws over the history of the fixture. A history which began at Whaddon Road on Tuesday, 2th November 2004 as the two sides met in the Second Round of the LDV Vans Trophy.
The match ended two-all after extra time with Jorge Leitao (56' & 114') bagging a brace for the Saddlers, whilst Steve Guinan (23') and John Brough (111') netted for the home side, taking the match to a penalty shoot-out.
Walsall would be the team which ultimately reached the Third Round as Michael Standing, Leroy Williams, Paul Merson and Darren Wrack all slotted home from the spot, securing the win by four penalties to three.
The most recent meeting took place at the now-named Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Saturday, 11th January 2020 and saw Cheltenham win 3-1 as goals from Max Sheaf, Conor Thomas and Alfie May made Elijah Adebayo's 78th minute strike a mere consolation.
Man in the Middle
The EFL has confirmed that London-based Sam Purkiss will be the man in the middle as Walsall look to bounce back from their dismal defeat to Southend United.
Mike Desborough and Dean Treleaven have been named as assistant referees whilst Andrew Hendley will act as Fourth Official.
GAMES
|
12
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
24
|
5
|
PENALTIES
|
6
|
Catch the Match
As we're still unable to attend the game in person we can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of each and every Saddlers match.
Not a iFollow Walsall subscriber? A range of options are available, including monthly, annual and gift subscriptions along with a £10 video pass which will enable you to watch the match.
You can purchase a subscription, or find further information on the service by clicking HERE.