Match Preview: v Barrow (H) Match Preview: v Barrow (H)
Posted by: Bescot Banter

Match Preview: v Barrow (H)

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two meeting with Barrow.
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 welcome Barrow to Poundland Bescot Stadium on Tuesday evening.

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

Walsall's winning run came to a crashing halt on Saturday afternoon as relegation-threatened Forest Green Rovers netted two goals without rely to boos their hopes of making a late luge for safety as we enter the hinal ten games of the season.

Goals from former Saddler Emmanuel Osadebe and Kyle McAllister saw Rovers cut the gap to 22nd-placed Colchester United to just two points, as the Saddlers slipped out of the Play-Off places.

The Saddlers had gone on a five-game winning streak, moving from 16th to an initial 6th, though they're now ninth in the table ahead of Tuesday evening's battle of the promotion hopefuls.

Whilst Tuesday's clash with Barrow will not be the only result to impact the Saddlers' season, a swift return to winning ways will allow the gaffer a bit of sleep as he opes to guide the team back to the third tier after far too many seasons in League Two.

WALSALL TEAM NEWS

Along with the first defeat in six, the Saddlers also suffered another injury blow as both Tom Knowles and Jamille Matt were forced off with injury, giving Head Coach Mat Sadler yet more injury issues.

Along with Tom and Jamille, Donervon Daniels (ankle), Oisin McEntee (hamstring), Priestley Farquharson (high), Harry Williams (hip), Jamie Jellis (hamstring), Aramide Oteh (hamstring), and Danny Johnson (toe) are also keeping the medical team busy.

OPPOSITION NEWS

Opponents Barrow were also involved in a 2-0 at the weekend as they defeated Colchester United as goals in first and second half stoppage time saw them make it two wins in as many games following a recent dip in form.

Kian Spence scored in first-half stoppage-time and Sam Foley in added-time in the second half, with the result seeing them close in on 5th-placed Crewe Alexandra.

FORM IN FIVE

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

WALSALL
BARROW
WWWWL
LLLWW

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Saddlers and Bluebirds have met on thirty-nine previous occasions and it's all-square between the two sides with fourteen wins apiece.

There have also been a total of eleven draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Fellows Park on Saturday, 4th February 1922 as the two sides faced-off in a Division Three (North) clash which saw the Saddlers secure the win by three-goals-to-one.

THE LAST TIME WE MET

The most recent meeting took place at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Tuesday, 28th November 2023, and saw the visitors win by a-goal-to-nil.

The first and only goal of the game arrived midway through the first half as Billy Waters slotted home after the Walsall defence failed to react following Ben Whitfield's deflected effort.

MATCH OFFICIALS

The EFL has confirmed that Martin Woods who is based in Lancashire, will be the man in the middle, whilst Kenwyn Hughes and Paul Stonier have been named assistant referees. Alistair Nelson will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
OFFICIATED
25
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
99
3
PENALTIES
AWARDED
3

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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