Preview: Salford City vs. Walsall - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams have had a mixed start to the new campaign and are aiming to build some momentum heading into a busy period of the season.

Match preview

Salford City were dealt a heavy 3-0 loss in midweek against Bolton Wanderers in the Football League Trophy, which followed up a 1-0 loss against Morecambe last weekend in the league.

The consecutive defeats leave plenty of pressure on Neil Wood, particularly because his team currently sits 17th in the table, with only four points between them and the relegation zone.

A big reason for that is Salford City's difficult home form, as the club have failed to pick up three points in front of their own fans so far in the league.

That is something they will look to change on Saturday, but an improvement in front of goal will be necessary as the Ammies have only scored twice in their home fixtures.

Three points would guarantee Salford City make some progression up the table as it would lead to them leapfrogging their opponents on Saturday, which would aid their ambition of promotion this season.

The visitors might sit above Salford City in the league table, but there is very little between them in terms of how they have started the season as they boast just one point more.

While the Ammies have failed to win a home match in League Two, Walsall are yet to secure three points on the road in this campaign, which means both teams are aiming to break a run this weekend.

Walsall heads into this match on the back of a victory during their last outing after they defeated Colchester United 1-0 with Isaac Hutchinson's goal being enough on the day.

Repeating that feat would be welcomed by Mat Sadler, particularly with the defensive side of the game, which they have typically struggled with throughout this campaign so far.

A victory could potentially take Walsall as high as the playoff positions, showcasing how tight things are at this stage of the season.

Salford City League Two form:

W

D

L

W

L

L

Salford City form (all competitions):

L

W

L

W

L

L

Walsall League Two form:

L

W

L

D

D

W

Walsall form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

D

W

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Team News

Adrian Mariappa is going to be unavailable for Salford City this weekend after he was recently called up for international duty with Jamaica.

However, the Ammies could potentially offer a debut to Declan John, who was unable to feature in midweek due to the fact the Ammies played his home club.

Marvellous Onabirekhanlen departed Walsall on a one-month loan this week which means that his services will be without moving forward.

However, the club did bring in Harvey Griffiths on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the teenager could be in line to get some minutes this weekend.

Salford City possible starting lineup:

Cairns; Olopade, Vassell, Tilt, Berkoe; McAleny, Watson, Ashley, McLennan; Hendry, Dackers

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Evans; McEntee, Daniels, Allen; Knowles, Farquharson, Stirk, Hutchison, Gordon; Draper, Matt

We say: Salford City 1-1 Walsall

Both teams head into this match following a difficult start to the campaign, and that is something that will likely be reflected in the match on Saturday.

They each need to start picking up some points, but it will probably finish in a draw this weekend.

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