Match Preview: v Leyton Orient (A) Match Preview: v Leyton Orient (A)
Posted by: Bescot Banter

Match Preview: v Leyton Orient (A)

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Leyton Orient.
Don't forget to join us across our social media channels 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 NEWS & VIEWS

Walsall winless run continued in midweek as they bounced back from conceding an early goal to grab a share of the spoils via Tom Knowles' first goal for the club.

Despite seeing their side take something for the game - ending a three-game losing streak in the process - the faithful were understandably disappointed to see yet another positive second-half display go to waste as the coals continue to dry up.

After entering what was Head Coach Michael Flynn described as one of the worst first-half displays in his stay in WS1, the Reds gave us a brief glimpse of what might be and, although they didn't win, a repeat performance this weekend may well result in a return to winning ways.

Of course, nothing is quite that simple when it comes to the Saddlers, especially as they're due to take on league leaders Leyton Orient, a side which is yet to taste defeat in the league so far this season.

Orient arrive at the match on the back of a narrow midweek win over Rochdale and in search of yet more points as they look to maintain their early momentum as we head into another busy spell which will see the sides play some eleven games between now and November.

FORM IN FIVE

Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Leyton Orient have fared in their last five league games.

LEYTON ORIENT
WALSALL
DWWWW
LDLLD

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Walsall and Leyton Orient have met on seventy-seven previous occasions and its Orient who hold a comfortable win/loss advantage having won on thirty-two occasions compared to the Saddlers' twenty-four.

There have also been twenty-one draws during the history of the fixture, a history which began at Whittle's Athletic Ground on Saturday, 12th October 1929 as Clapton Orient and the Saddlers met in a Division Three (South) clash which ended all-square with one goal apiece.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting was a League Two clash which took place at Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 2nd April 2022 and saw the visitors win by two goals to nil.

The O's opened the scoring via Harry Smith with just nine minutes on the clock, former Saddler Otis Khan with the assist.

Otis' involvement didn't end there either, as he went on to boule his side's lead with a deflected effort that wrong-footed goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and crashed into the back of the net.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that former footballer Andy Davies, who is based in Hampshire, will be the man in the middle as Walsall make the trip to Brisbane Road this weekend.

Davies had spells at Gillingham, Portsmouth and Yeovil Town before being forced to retire due to injury at the age of 28 before becoming a match official.

Graham Kane and Greg Read have been named assistant referees, whilst the experienced Darren Drysdale will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
OFFICIATED
5
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
10
0
PENALTIES
AWARDED
0

CATCH THE MATCH

If you're not planning on going to the game you can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of every Saddlers game.

Not an iFollow Walsall subscriber? There are a range of options available, including monthly, annual, and gift subscriptions. For further information on the service, or to set up your subscription, click HERE.
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