After an incredible run in the first half of this season's League Two, Walsall will aim to continue their impressive form as they travel to Gloucestershire to face Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road on Saturday.
The Saddlers head into this encounter 12 points clear at the summit, despite having played one game fewer than second-placed Doncaster Rovers, while the hosts sit 21 points behind in 13th with 31 points.
Match preview
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A 2-1 comeback victory over Notts County on New Year's Day was the latest triumph in a remarkable run for Walsall, who had gone five consecutive league games without conceding before that match.
Prior to Alassana Jatta's 26th-minute opener in that clash, the Saddlers had last conceded a league goal in their 3-2 win over the same opponent on December 3, marking over eight hours of football in which their defence remained unbreached.
However, second-half goals from Jamille Matt and Nathan Lowe turned the tide at Whaddon Road, ensuring Mat Sadler's side extended their unbeaten streak to 14 matches while securing a seventh consecutive victory.
Walsall's defensive solidity has underpinned their title charge this season, boasting the division's second-best defensive record, while their attacking output has been equally impressive, with a league-high 43 goals.
Sadler's men also have the best away record in the division, amassing 23 points from a possible 33, and they will hope to build on this when they travel to Cheltenham this weekend.
Having secured a 2-1 victory over the Robins at Bescot Stadium in August, the Saddlers are now chasing their first back-to-back wins against them since 2008.
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Meanwhile, Cheltenham will be looking to return to winning ways after failing to record a victory in either of their last two games, including a 5-3 defeat against Notts County followed by a goalless draw with Port Vale on New Year's Day.
These results leave the Robins six points adrift of the playoff places, though they have played one game more than Notts County, who sit seventh in the standings.
Relegated from League One at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Cheltenham remain hopeful of an immediate return to the higher divisions, and a victory over Walsall – a side they have defeated in six of their last seven meetings – would significantly bolster their ambitions.
Michael Flynn, who managed Walsall during the 2022-23 season before his dismissal in April 2023, will be particularly motivated to get another one over his former employers, having secured a 2-0 victory while in charge of Swindon.
Despite his Cheltenham side's impressive tally of 19 goals on home turf – the third-highest in the division – they face a stern test against the Saddlers, who have conceded just six goals on the road, the fewest of any team in League Two.
Team News
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Midfielder Liam Kinsella and striker George Miller join head coach Flynn in preparing to face their former club.
On the injury front, defender Ryan Haynes remains sidelined with a knee issue sustained in September.
As for the visitors, defender Evan Weir is doubtful for Saturday after being forced off with injury in the 95th minute against Notts County.
Walsall are also without Priestley Farquharson, who suffered a setback in his recovery from an injury sustained against Tranmere Rovers in August, while experienced forward Joshua Gordon remains out with a long-term hamstring problem.
Brandon Comley, who recently returned to the squad after recovering from a fractured cheekbone, was an unused substitute on New Year's Day and could see some minutes off the bench on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Matt and Lowe, both of whom scored against Notts County, are set to start in attack, with the former returning to the starting XI after making his mark off the bench, while the latter currently tops the league's goal chart with 14 goals.
Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Day; Bennett, Payne, Stubbs, Bradbury; Young, Kinsella; Thomas, Colwill, Archer; Miller
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Daniels; Barrett, Jellis, Stirk, Lakin, Allen; Matt, Lowe
We say: Cheltenham Town 1-2 Walsall
Walsall enter the contest in scintillating form, having won their last eight matches across all competitions, including seven in the league.
With their remarkable momentum and defensive resilience, the league leaders will be confident of extending their winning run this weekend.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
