Preview: Walsall vs. Charlton Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

While the home side sit in ninth position in League Two, Charlton are in sixth place in League One, possessing an identical record when it comes to wins, draws and defeats.

Match preview

When the fixtures for the new campaign were released, Charlton discovered that they had been handed one of the tougher starts in League One.

However, in a five-game run which has included fixtures with Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday, the Addicks have collected eight points from a possible 15.

Ben Garner, who arrived at The Valley earlier in the summer, will be satisfied with that return, particularly with the victories over Derby and Plymouth Argyle.

Although the 1-1 draw with Cambridge United at the weekend came as a disappointment, it was enough to keep the London outfit in the playoff spots.

Charlton progressed through to this round of the competition by edging out Queens Park Rangers on penalties after initially netting a last-gasp equaliser.

From Walsall's perspective, they will be grateful to turn their attention away from league matters having lost their way over the past three games.

The Saddlers started the season with two consecutive victories in League Two, but that has been followed by draws either side of a defeat to Barrow.

While Michael Flynn will not necessarily have too many concerns at this stage, he will recognise that his players need to rediscover their touch in the final third.

Walsall's last success came in this competition with two late goals being scored against Swindon Town, the former club of Charlton boss Garner.

Walsall EFL Cup form:

Walsall form (all competitions):

Charlton Athletic EFL Cup form:

Charlton Athletic form (all competitions):

Team News

As is usually standard with the EFL Cup, Flynn and Garner could make alterations to their respective starting lineups.

Liam Bennett, Isaac Hutchinson and Timmy Abraham are all pushing for opportunities in the Walsall XI after being given a large portion of the second half at Gillingham.

Douglas James-Taylor may also come into contention to partner Abraham in the Saddlers attack.

Corey Blackett-Taylor faces missing out for Charlton after needing to be substituted soon after his introduction against Cambridge.

Goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray is in line to feature against his former club, with Sam Lavelle and Aaron Henry pushing for starts in defence and midfield respectively.

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Evans; Daniels, Clarke, Monthe; White, Kinsella, Comley, Bennett; Hutchinson; Abraham, James-Taylor

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:

MacGillivray; Clare, Lavelle, O'Connell, Clayden; Henry, Dobson, Morgan; Rak-Sakyi, Stockley, Kirk

We say: Walsall 1-2 Charlton Athletic

Having lost some momentum in the fourth tier, Flynn will be desperate for his Walsall side to get back on track. However, regardless of the team that they field, we feel that Charlton will still be able to overcome their hosts in a competitive fixture.

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