Walsall will return to action on Sunday afternoon when they make their way to the SMH Group Stadium, where they'll take on Chesterfield in the First Leg of their League Two Play-Off semi-final.
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
After seeing their seemingly certain ascension to League One collapse into an eventual place in the League Two Play-Offs, the Saddlers will have not only a keen opposition to overcome but also a high level of disappointment.
Leading the league by twelve points early in the New Year, the team won just three of their last twenty-one league games and, were it not for their strong first-half of the season, wouldn't be out of place in the bottom half of the table.
However, now is not the time to be looking back. Now is the time to get behind the team. This season has turned into something of a shocker, but the there is still a chance to secure promotion.
Over the next two games we'll get a good look at what this squad is truly made of. Will it be able to rise to the occasion or continue a rather remarkable run of truly dismal form. Only time will tell...
OPPOSITION NEWS
Opponents Chesterfield have been in a rich vein of for, losing just one of their last thirteen league games, and will arrive at this weekend's clash on the back of a narrow win over Accrington Stanley.
Squeezing into the Play-Offs on the final day of the season, the Spireites have plenty of momentum to build upon, and will no doubt fancy their chances as they take on somewhat wounded opposition.
Looking at team news, and Chesterfield have an extensive injury list with Chey Dunkley, Vontae Daley-Campbell, Tyrone Williams, Ryheem Sheckleford, Janoi Donacien, and Jack Sparkes all recovering from various issues.
There is also an element of doubt surrounding Armando Dobra and Ollie Banks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been a total of 96 competitive meetings between the Saddlers and Spireites, and it's the Saddlers that hold a small head-to-head lead, having won 36 times compared to Chesterfield's 31. (29 draws).
The first meeting was a League Division Two clash that took place at Hilary Street, later known as Fellows Park, on Saturday, 11th November 1899, and Walsall won by six goals to three.
THE LAST TIME WE MET
The most recent meeting took place at the Poundland Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 15th February 2025, and saw the Saddlers ease to victory by three-goals-to-one.
The visitors took the lead with around eight minutes on the clock, when Jamie Grimes was afforded the freedom of the borough as he headed home from a Dylan Duffy cross.
Walsall levelled the scores with seven minutes of the second half played, as Taylor Allen's corner was directed into the path of Jamille Matt by David Okagbue, with Matt happily firing home.
The Saddlers went into the lead just three minutes later as Ellis Harrison grabbed his first goal for the club after being found at the back post by Taylor Allen's superb cross.
Walsall added their third goal deep into second-half stoppage time, as substitute Levi Amantchi netted his first goal for the club, sealing the points for his side.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Martin Coy, who is based in Durham, will take charge of the match, with Mark Cunliffe and Kenwyn Hughes being named as assistant referees.
We also know that Ross Joyce has been selected as Fourth Official and Graeme Fyvie will operate as reserve.
GAMES
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29
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
94
| 1
|
PENALTIES
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3
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CATCH THE MATCH
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, which you can get via Sky, Sky Glass, Now, Virgin Media and more.