Next up for David Artell’s men is a trip to the West Midlands for an early kick-off against table-toppers Walsall.
The Saddlers are experiencing their sixth consecutive season in Sky Bet League Two, following relegation from League One at the end of the 2018-19 season. Since their return to the fourth tier, the West Midlands outfit have finished 16th twice, 19th, 12th and their highest finish was last season in 11th place.
Over the 35 games played this season, The Saddlers have won 20, drawn eight and lost seven. Their recent form has seen them win only twice in their last ten league outings, with their gap at the top that was once as much as twelve, now cut to just two points with Bradford City behind them in second.
David Artell previews our trip to Walsall
Walsall are managed by 40-year-old Mat Sadler, who’s been in charge of the club since April 2023, guiding them to an eleventh place League Two finish in his first season. Making nearly 500 appearances as a player, Sadler’s final years were spent at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, before taking interim charge a year later, which was then given to him on a permanent basis. Sadler was awarded Manager of the Month in December for leading his side to a perfect six wins from six.
A key player for the Saddlers will be Walsall-born centre-back Taylor Allen. Allen joined the Birmingham club in the summer of 2022 and this season has cemented himself in Mat Sadler’s backline. Seven goals and seven assists are spectacular stats for a left-sided centre-back, but the 24-year-old’s career began as a forward before becoming a defender, so he still possesses his goal-scoring instincts; his most recent goal coming last weekend when Walsall travelled to Carlisle in a game that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Tickets are available on the gate for tomorrow’s game with a £2 matchday price increase. Please note that ONLY card payment will be accepted.
For those travelling to the Poundland Bescot Stadium, you can read our Matchday Guide by clicking here.
Overseas fans can watch the game live on Mariners TV. The EFL have selected this fixture for an international streaming pilot, so pricing will vary depending on location.
UTM
