Walsall play host to Chesterfield on Saturday afternoon eager to strengthen their position at the top of the League Two table.
Although the Saddlers sit eight points clear in the race for automatic promotion, it is visitors Chesterfield who enter this contest in better form.
Match preview
© Imago
Ever since Mat Sadler penned a new long-term contract at Walsall, his Saddlers side have gone completely off the boil in the race for the League Two title.
After a nine-game winning streak and a 16-match unbeaten run, the West Midlands outfit have now gone five matches without success.
As well as three consecutive away defeats, Walsall have been held at home by Salford City and Gillingham, the latter having not won in 10 fixtures beforehand.
From one perspective, the 1-1 draw is a point gained, Walsall still seven points clear of second-placed Notts County albeit having played a game more.
However, now without a win since January 18, Sadler is aware that his team need to turn a corner if they want to retain their commanding position.
![Paul Cook manager of Chesterfield all smiles during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chesterfield and Sheffield United at SMH Group Stadium, Chesterfield, United Kingdom on 20 July 2024 [on August 7, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/32/paul-cook.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Paul Cook manager of Chesterfield all smiles during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chesterfield and Sheffield United at SMH Group Stadium, Chesterfield, United Kingdom on 20 July 2024 [on August 7, 2024]")
© Imago
Chesterfield went through their own five-match period without a win recently, losing three times in a row during that streak.
However, Paul Cook's team have since accumulated eight points from their last five matches, scoring eight goals in wins over Bromley and Doncaster Rovers.
Holding a game in hand, there is now just a six-point gap to seventh place, yet Cook knows that he must resolve Chesterfield's poor away form.
Seven defeats have been recorded in 14 such fixtures, while their only away victory in six matches came at bottom-placed Carlisle United.
Team News
© Imago
With Sadler looking for solutions in the final third, Ellis Harrison could be restored to the team ahead of Josh Gordon.
Albert Adomah is also an option in the final third, the veteran having remained as an unused substitute last time out.
Taylor Allen is available again after a one-match ban and should be recalled to the back three.
As a result of each of Chesterfield's front four all contributing versus Doncaster, Cook could keep the same team.
That would see Ollie Banks remain among the replacements despite netting as a substitute during that fixture.
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Allen; Barrett, McEntee, Stirk, Jellis, L. Gordon; Harrison, Matt
Chesterfield possible starting lineup:
Thompson; Sheckleford, Williams, Grimes, Sparkes; Naylor, Oldaker; Olakigbe, Dobra, Duffy; Pepple
We say: Walsall 2-2 Chesterfield
Some will view Chesterfield as the marginal favourites to edge this contest, including fans of Walsall. Nevertheless, the Saddlers should have enough quality in their ranks to earn a share of the spoils that may prove important come the end of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
