Preview: Walsall vs. Crawley Town - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a draw away to Carlisle United, while the visitors travel to the West Midlands fresh from a victory at home to Barrow.

Match preview

Walsall have made a decent start to proceedings in 2022-23 and sit 13th in the league table, having amassed 24 points from their 18 fixtures played.

Manager Michael Flynn has done an impressive job since taking the reins, while his side are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, which has pleased supporters.

Last time out, the Saddlers recorded a 0-0 draw away to Carlisle United at Brunton Park, keeping a clean sheet in a match where they were value for a share of the spoils.

Returning to home soil this weekend, Flynn will be confident that his side can continue their strong form at the Poundland Bescot Stadium, where they have accumulated 17 points from nine matches so far this campaign.

Should results go their way, Walsall could move as high as 11th in the division with a victory over Crawley Town this weekend.

Crawley Town will be disappointed with their exploits in League Two so far this season, as they occupy 18th in the division and languish just five points above the relegation places with 17 fixtures fulfilled.

Interim manager Lewis Young has been put in charge to try and change their fortunes and has been unbeaten in his time as head coach, raising spirits in the Crawley camp.

In their most recent outing, Crawley gained their first win in five as a strike from Ashley Nadesan secured a vital triumph against Barrow at the The People's Pension Stadium.

Nevertheless, they will be looking to improve their form on the road this weekend, where they have picked up just five points from a possible 27 in 2022-23.

Crawley Town could overtake Sutton United and move into 17th position with a victory over Walsall this Saturday.

Walsall League Two form:

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Walsall form (all competitions):

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Crawley Town League Two form:

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Crawley Town form (all competitions):

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Team News

Walsall will have to do without striker Connor Wilkinson, who is a long-term absentee due to a knee injury, for the visit of Crawley.

Jack Earing could make his first start since returning from a knock in the stalemate at Carlisle United last weekend. Defender Hayden White is at risk of suspension if he picks up a booking during the match.

For the visitors, James Balagizi will be absent for the trip to Walsall owing to a groin injury that has seen the midfielder miss several fixtures.

Ellery Balcombe is expected to continue in goal following his return to action and subsequent clean sheet in the recent win over Barrow.

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Evans; White, Daniels, Monthe; Bennett, Comley, Earing, Gordon; Hutchinson; Knowles, Johnson

Crawley Town possible starting lineup:

Balcombe; Francomb, Francillette, Lynch, Tsaroulla; Powell; Hessenthaler, Jenks; Telford, Nadesan, Nichols

We say: Walsall 1-1 Crawley Town

Both sides will come into this one looking to move further up the table, creating an intriguing encounter that will be keenly contested.

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