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

Match Preview: v Colchester United (A)

Here we take a look ahead to this weekend's League Two clash between Colchester United and the Saddlers.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook, where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as the Saddlers return to action.

Pre-Match Views

It has been quite a week for the Saddlers. Two wins, two contracts signed and a new Technical Director unveiled.

The two wins, over Rovers duo Forest Green and Tranmere respectively, have left the Saddlers twelve points above the drop zone with just five games remaining, meaning that but for one of the bottom two winning all remaining games whilst the Saddlers lose theirs, Brian Dutton's side is safe.

Whilst safety in the fourth tier was something all fans expected to be confirmed many moons ago, we can't help but breathe a huge sigh of relief as the team has finally found its feet, at least enough to take some of the pressure off.

There are plenty of points to play for between now and the end of the campaign, and just by picking up another win or two, the summer could have a far more positive feeling than the hone we appeared to be heading to just a few short weeks ago.

Heading into this weekend's game with a six-game unbeaten streak under their belts, the Reds should be brimming with confidence as they look to add to the U's woes on Saturday evening.

Opposition News

Colchester sit just one place and four points above the League Two dropzone ahead of kick-off and can ill afford to become the Saddlers' third victim in a little over a week as they look to halt a spell of form which has seen them go ten games without a win.

Head to Head

There have been sixty-eight competitive meetings between the two sides and its Walsall who hold a narrow overall lead having won on twenty-five occasions compared to the U's twenty-four, with the remaining nineteen matches ending in a draw.

Their first meeting was a Division Three (South) clash that took place in front of 9,584 fans at Layer Road on Saturday, 18th November 1950, and saw Harry Hibbs' Saddlers win by one-goal-to-nil as Phil Chapman scored the only goal of the game twelve minutes into the second half.

The Saddlers haven't lost any of the last six league meetings between the two - winning two and drawing four.

Man in the Middle

The EFL has confirmed that East Yorkshire-based Carl Boyeson will be the man in the middle, whilst Matthew Lee and Andrew Laver have been named assistant referees. Gareth Viccars will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
26
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
92
1
PENALTIES
4

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 an iFollow Walsall subscriber? There are a range of options 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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