Match Preview: v Carlisle United (H) Match Preview: v Carlisle United (H)

Match Preview: v Carlisle United (H)

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Carlisle 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 Walsall play host to the Cumbrians at Poundland Bescot Stadium.

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

Walsall's woeful spell continued on Good Friday as bottom-of-the-table Rochdale secured three crucial points as they look to make a late dash for safety.

Although the fourth of Dale's goals was awarded despite the ball clearly not going over the line, the Saddlers only have themselves to blame as they were outplayed by their desperate opponents.

On a rare off day for the backline, Rochdale were able to take advantage of a raft of poor performances as Michael Flynn continues to struggle to get the best out of his team.

With just six games remaining, were still keen for the gaffer to offer some of the fringe players a place in the team as, whether their futures lie in WS1 or elsewhere, they surely deserve an opportunity to improve upon others' performances.

Clearly, the gaffer is hoping to avoid a series of capitulations before he can begin to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign, but a continuation of the recent run will not only decide the future of the players but could well do the same for him.

Though the popular opinion seems to be that the gaffer deserves to keep his job ahead of a summer rebuild, win none of the remaining six and the board will have to act. There is no way a manager who wins one in twenty-three should keep his job.

With that being said, plenty of the players have blood on their hands, far too many passive performances have led to this and, unless they are able to demonstrate a desire to turn things around, we'll happily bid them a not-so-fond farewell.

OPPOSITION NEWS

Titel-chasing Carlisle United arrive at the match on the back of a two-nil triumph over Tranmere Rovers and a result which saw them end a four-game winless run.

Sitting third in the table ahead of kick-off the Cumbrians can ill afford a defeat if they are to prevent any of the chasing sides from replacing them in the automatic promotion places.

FORM IN FIVE

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

WALSALL
CARLISLE UNITED
WDLDL
DDLLW

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Walsall and Carlisle United have met on sixty-five previous occasions and it's the Saddlers who hold an overall win/ loss advantage, having secured victory on twenty-five occasions compared to the Cumbrians' twenty.

There have also been twenty draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Brunton Park on Saturday, 7th November 1931 as the two sides met in a Division Three (North) clash which Carlisle won by four-goals-to-nil.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting between the Saddlers and Cumbrians was an Emirates FA Cup - Second Round clash which took place at Poundland Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 26th November 2022, and saw Walsall win by two-goals-to-one.

Michael Flynn's men looked to be heading out of the competition as Ryan Edmondson's first-half effort gave the visitors the lead until two-minutes before full-time,

However, Carlisle were unable to secure their place in the Third Round as goals from Andy Williams (88') and Douglas James-Taylor (90+3') saw Walsall through at the Cumbrian's expense.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Declan Bourne, who is based in Nottinghamshire, will be the man in the middle, whilst Kevin Morris and Adrian Tranter have been named assistant referees. Darren Wilding will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
OFFICIATED
24
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
89
8
PENALTIES
AWARDED
5

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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