Match Preview: v Sutton United (A) Match Preview: v Sutton United (A)
Posted by: Bescot Banter

Match Preview: v Sutton United (A)

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Sutton United.
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 as they take on Sutton United at Gander Green Lane.

PRE-MATCH NEWS

Walsall arrive at the match fresh off a Papa John's Trophy - Southern Group C defeat to Milton Keynes Dons, a defeat which confirmed their exit from the much-maligned competition, something few of the faithful will be losing sleep over.

The more disappointing aspect of the defeat was the Saddlers' annoying lack of goals as they once again failed to make the most of their opportunities in the final third, surrendering a two-game winning run in the process.

With the injury list continuing to grow the team can seldom afford to drop points and, despite their midweek defeat not having an impact upon the League Two table, a win would have provided some welcome momentum heading into this weekend's match.

Opponents Sutton United were also in midweek EFL Trophy action as they confirmed their place in the Second Round with a two-nil triumph over Oxford United, a result which was their second victory in as many games after they halted a four-game losing streak with a win over AFC Wimbledon last weekend.

FORM IN FIVE

Here is how the Saddlers and their opponents Sutton United have fared in their last five Sky Bet League Two games.

SUTTON UNITED
WALSALL
LLLLW
LDWWL

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The two sides have met on just two previous occasions, and the Saddlers have enjoyed victory on both occasions with the first meeting taking place at the VBS Community Stadium on Saturday, 30th October 2021.

The match, which was seen by some 3,319 fans, was separated by just one goal as on-loan Leicester City forward Tyrese Shade netted in the sixty-sixth minute.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting took place on Saturday, 12th March 2022 and was also separated by just one goal as Conor Wilkinson's thirty-third-minute penalty proved to be enough to secure three much-needed points for the Saddlers.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Paul Howard, who is based in London, will be the man in the middle, whilst James Vallance and Stephen Finch have been named assistant referees. Stephen Brown will act as Fourth Official.

Referee Howard has taken charge of just one game so far this season - an EFL Trophy meeting between Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United which saw his issue two yellow cards - a deeper look into his statistics shows that he issued some ninety-five cautions (5 red cards, 7 penalties) across twenty-nine games during the 2020/21 campaign.

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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