Walsall return to cup action on Tuesday evening as they welcome Fulham Under-21s to the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium for a Jersey Mike's Trophy, Southern Group C clash.Walsall have been in superb form in the league so far this season. Going some nine games without defeat, Lee Grant has seen his side battle pack to earn wins and draws as they simply refuse to be beaten.
The same can't be said for cup competitions, however. Going out of the Carabao Cup in Round Two, the Saddlers began their EFL Trophy campaign with a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Stevenage, as they made life very difficult for themselves going into game week two.
Taking on largely underage opposition, the Saddlers are up against Fulham Under-21s, and, with their league form taken into consideration, will be bookies favourite to take the win on the night, but they can't take anything for granted.
With Stevenage going on to win their second game already, Lee Grant's side simply have to win of they want to come close to securing a place in the Second Round of the competition.
Despite seeing his side somewhat humbled by the Boro, Grant is highly likely to ring the changes once again as he looks to both add fitness to some of the players on the fringes of his team, and avoid putting unnecessary strain on others.
THE OPPOSITION
Competing in Premier League 2, the EFL Trophy, and National League Cup, Fulham Under-21s have already played their first game in this competition and joined the Saddlers in being handed something of a beating.
Taking on Leicester City, they were five-mil down at the break, and went on to suffer a 6-1 defeat, and will be looking to make amends as they visit WS1 in midweek.
Taking on Leicester City, they were five-mil down at the break, and went on to suffer a 6-1 defeat, and will be looking to make amends as they visit WS1 in midweek.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There has been just one previous meeting between the Saddlers and Fulham's Under-21s, and, unsurprisingly, it also took place in the group stage of the EFL Trophy.
Played in front of just 875 fans at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, the match was separated by just one goal as Danny Johnson got on the end of a Charlie Lakin pass with four minutes of the second-half played.
Played in front of just 875 fans at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Tuesday, 17th September 2024, the match was separated by just one goal as Danny Johnson got on the end of a Charlie Lakin pass with four minutes of the second-half played.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Alan Young who is based in Cambridgeshire will take charge of the match with Oliver Bickle and Paul Stonier being named as assistant referees, whilst Daniel Smith has been selected as Fourth Official.
CATCH THE MATCH
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ for Saddlers fans in the UK and Ireland.
