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Walsall return to cup action on Sunday afternoon as they make their way to the Silverlake Stadium, where they'll face Eastleigh in an Emirates FA Cup — First Round clash.MATCH INFORMATION
The match will take place at the Spitfires' Silverlake Stadium on Sunday, 2nd November, with kick-off scheduled for 2.15pm.
Team News will be confirmed at 1.00pm, and we'll have all the news and coverage across our social media accounts, along with Match Stats and a Match Report shortly after full-time.
NEWS & VIEWS
Walsall have endured a poor few weeks of form. Winless in their last five games in all competitions, they'll be keen to put their bad form behind them and avoid the potential banana skin that is Eastleigh FC.
Sitting atop the League Two table, the team has been afforded the good graces of several of their title rivals, who have been unable to take advantage of the Saddlers' spell in the doldrums.
Although the league has little bearing on the cup, and the Spitfires will be more than happy to add to the dismal run, and Mat Sadler will have to have his side firing on all cylinders in front of the TV cameras just waiting for a slip up.
A lack of firepower in front of goal continues to be the only reason for the Saddlers' poor form as far too many, often clear-cut, goal-scoring opportunities go to waste.
Fans seem to be united on the need to add a new striker during the January Transfer Window, but while we wait, there is plenty of time for one of the current crop to stamp their authority on the position and give the Trivela Group a reason to keep their chequebook closed. And what better way than in front of a national audience?
TEAM NEWS
Walsall boss Mat Sadler will have to do without the likes of Harrison Burke, Mason Hancock, Harry Williams, and Elicha Ahui, who remain sidelined through various injuries.
THE OPPOSITION
Opponents Eastleigh have been in indifferent form over the last few weeks. Winning one of their last four league games, they'll be keen to draw upon their most recent outing, a 2-1 win over Morecambe.
They secured their place in the First Round by defeating Hampton & Richmond Borough 2-0 in the Fourth Qualifying Round.
FACTFILE: EASTLEIGH
Nickname: The Spitfires
Founded: 1946
Ground: Silverlake Stadium
Manager: Scott Bartlett
League: Enterprise National League
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Saddlers and Spitfires have never met in a competitive clash.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The EFL has confirmed that Lee Swabey who is based in Devon will take charge of the match with Kevin Howick and Paul Kelly being named as assistant referees, whilst Lewis Sandoe has been selected as Fourth Official.
GAMES
|
8
|
YELLOW
CARDS |
RED
CARDS |
21
| 1
|
PENALTIES
|
2
|
CATCH THE MATCH
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+.
Audio options are also available, with the club's in-house service Saddlers+ offering coverage for a small fee.