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Walsall
League Two | Gameweek 26
Jan 11, 2025 at 12.30pm UK
Poundland Bescot Stadium
Tranmere Rovers

Walsall
vs.
Tranmere

Preview: Walsall vs. Tranmere Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League Two clash between Walsall and Tranmere Rovers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Walsall play host to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their position at the top of the League Two table.

Meanwhile, Rovers make the trip to the West Midlands sitting just five points clear of the relegation zone.


Match preview

Taylor Allen of Walsall celebrates with teammates on December 3, 2024© Imago

With the last game at Cheltenham Town falling foul of the weather, Matt Sadler may have welcomed the extra week off for his all-conquering Walsall side.

However, there is a air of uncertainty over whether the Saddlers will be able to seamlessly continue a seven-match winning streak as they attempt to cruise to the title.

There is currently a 10-point gap over second place with a game in hand, Walsall now also having back-to-back home fixtures against the 20th and 11th-placed teams in the fourth tier.

Goals have not necessarily been easy to come by, though. The West Midlands outfit have failed to score more than twice in any of their last six league encounters.

Nevertheless, just one strike has been conceded during that period, while Walsall will now look to better a home record that currently stands at 29 points being accumulated from a possible 36.

Tranmere Rovers manager Nigel Adkins during his side's match against Salford City, on September 27, 2024© Imago

Back in August, Tranmere were able to record a 1-0 victory over Walsall at Prenton Park, a result which was followed by a win at Carlisle United.

Since then, though, Nigel Adkins's team have recorded just four victories in 19 league matches, leaving them in a scrap to avoid demotion to the National League.

On a positive note, four points have been collected from their last three outings, the double being completed over Carlisle to extend the gap to the bottom-placed side to seven points.

That said, Tranmere make the trip to Walsall with the worst away record in the division, racking up just eight points from 11 matches and losing their last five.

Walsall League Two form:


Walsall form (all competitions):


Tranmere Rovers League Two form:


Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):



Team News

Ben Purrington of Exeter City in action with Josh Gordon of Walsall on August 13, 2024© Imago

The extended break provided this Walsall squad with a much-needed break and it frees up Sadler to name his strongest XI.

Having been partially rested last time out, Jamille Matt will return to the attack to take the place of fellow veteran Albert Adomah.

While Josh Gordon is pushing for a return to the squad after a hamstring injury, Priestley Farquharson remains on the sidelines.

Barring any fitness issues, Adkins could select the same Tranmere side that started the potentially-pivotal win over Carlisle.

Adkins switched to a back three for that contest, the introduction of Cameron Norman at right wing-back proving decisive as he scored the only goal of the game.


Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Weir; Barrett, Jellis, Stirk, Lakin, Gordon; Lowe, Matt

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; O'Connor, Davies, Turnbull; Norman, Finley, Morris, Bradshaw; Jennings, Saunders, Patrick


SM words green background

We say: Walsall 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

With Tranmere having posted a crucial victory last time out, there will be extra belief ahead of taking on the toughest challenge in the division. Nevertheless, we still expect Walsall to come through with the three points and to keep a clean sheet in the process.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Written by
Darren Plant

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Walsall23164343202352
2Crewe AlexandraCrewe24119433221142
3Salford City24126629191042
4Port Vale2511862925441
5AFC Wimbledon23124735191640
6Notts County24117638261240
7Doncaster RoversDoncaster2511773530540
8Bradford CityBradford2410863327638
9Grimsby Town25121123640-437
10Chesterfield249783829934
11MK Dons2310493631534
12Bromley2481063530534
13Cheltenham TownCheltenham248793436-231
14Gillingham2393112224-230
15BarrowBarrow2477102326-328
16Fleetwood TownFleetwood226972828027
17Colchester UnitedColchester2451272828027
18Newport CountyNewport2375113040-1026
19Accrington StanleyAccrington2367103240-825
20Tranmere RoversTranmere2367101732-1525
21Harrogate TownHarrogate2574142137-1625
22Swindon TownSwindon2559113141-1024
23Morecambe2455142239-1720
24Carlisle UnitedCarlisle2446141938-1918


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