Preview: Walsall vs. Accrington Stanley - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have picked up 10 points from their last four matches to rise into ninth position in the League Two table, while the visitors sit 14th, two points behind their opponents in this match.

Match preview

Walsall will enter this match on the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over Harrogate Town last Saturday afternoon.

The win was their third in a row in League Two matches, moving them onto 48 points from 33 games and lifting them to ninth position in the table.

Mat Sadler's side have only lost one of their last five League Two matches, and the success on Saturday was a real step forward, so the team should be looking up the table rather than down.

The Saddlers are just three points off the final playoff spot having played one game less, and victory in their rescheduled match on Tuesday will see them break into the playoff zone.

Walsall's home form this season has been relatively strong, picking up 29 points from their 16 matches in front of their own fans, suffering only three defeats in the process.

However, they have found it difficult against their upcoming opposition, losing the last four encounters between them.

Accrington saw their bid to get closer to the playoff zone take a hit after losing 1-0 to Crawley Town at the Wham Stadium last time out.

The 'Owd Reds are now five points behind seventh-placed Gillingham, who have played one more game and currently occupy the final playoff spot.

Having managed just one win in their last five matches, John Coleman's side are short of confidence but will be looking to rise to the occasion against an opposition they have dominated against, winning four and losing just two of their six meetings.

However, Accrington have picked up just 16 points from 15 away matches this season, already lost on the road seven times.

Walsall League Two form:

D

L

D

W

W

W

Accrington Stanley League Two form:

W

D

L

W

D

L

Team News

Walsall have a clean bill of health heading this fixture, which leaves Sadler with many options heading into this fixture.

Attacking midfielder Isaac Hutchinson has 17 direct goal contributions in the league this season, the most by any Walsall player and is one to look out for.

Jamille Matt and Josh Gordon should start again in attack, while Tom Knowles and Liam Gordon should be the wingbacks.

Toby Savin has been out since September with a shoulder injury and a return date has not been set for the Accrington goalkeeper.

Left-back Bradley Hills, the Norwich City loanee, is going to sit out for the second of his three-game ban after receiving a straight red card against Colchester.

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Smith; Okagbue, Abegboyega, Allen; Knowles, Hutchinson, Cowley, Earring, L Gordon; Matt, J Gordon

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Vitek; O'Brien, Mellor, Gubbins, Shipley; Martin, Woods; Trickett, Leigh, Nolan; Bickerstaff

We say: Walsall 1-0 Accrington Stanley

Walsall are in great form heading into this game after three consecutive victories and a four-game unbeaten streak. Accrington, on the other hand, have dominated this fixture, winning the last four. However, we think the home side will edge this at the end.

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