Match Preview: v Southend United (A) Match Preview: v Southend United (A)

Match Preview: v Southend United (A)

Here we take a look ahead to this weekend's League Two clash between Walsall and Southend United.
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 once again.

News and Views

Looking to build upon their recent win over Port Vale, which saw the Saddlers secure their first win of 2021, Darrell Clarke's side make the long trip to Roots Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from new Luton Town striker Elijah Adebayo, the former Fulham man netting his ninth and tenth of the season before departing for pastures new, coupled with David Fitzpatrick's own goal saw the Saddlers end another winless run, despite Tom Conlon's long-range effort.

With Elijah, the MK Dons bound Zak Jules and midfielder Danny Guthrie all gone, it is now time for the current crop to show what they're made of as the gaffer begins to look at his options with at least two first-eleven places to fill.

Clarke may well hand debuts to new loanees Max Melbourne and Derick Osei Yaw, whilst the club's other temporary team members are also likely to feature as the Reds look to build upon their triumph over the Valiants.

Opponents Southend sit at the foot of the table and haven't won any of their last five League Tow outings, but shouldn't be taken lightly as they're in desperate need of points and we're perfect candidates to take them from.

Head to Head

There have been eighty-seven competitive meetings between Walsall and Southend United and it's the Shrimpers who hold a comfortable head-to-head lead having tasted victory on forty-three occasions, compared to the Saddlers' twenty-five.

There have been nineteen draws over the history of the fixture. A history which began at Fellows Park on Saturday, 29th October 1927 as the two sides met in a Division Three (South) clash which the visitors' won by one-goal-to-nil.

The most recent meeting took place at the Banks's on Saturday, 14th November 2020 and saw Emile Acquah's late strike secure the points for the visitors, whilst Alfie Bates saw red for the Saddlers.

Man in the Middle

The EFL has confirmed that David Rock, who is based in Hertfordshire, will be the man in the middle as Walsall play their first game since the Deadline Day departures of Zak Jules, Danny Guthrie, and Elijah Adebayo.

Daniel Cook and Adrian Tranter have been named as assistant referees, whilst Stephen Finch will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
21
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
67
4
PENALTIES
5

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.
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