We host the Saddlers at fortress Vale Park on Tuesday night where we have lost just once in the league. Let’s take a glance at tomorrow’s visitors.
In the Dugout
39-year-old Matthew Taylor is the man in charge of Walsall after joining in the summer. He had a brief stint as manager of Swindon Town in 2018 for just one game which he lost 3-0. He left Swindon a year later to coach Tottenham Hotspur U18s. He signed as head-coach of Walsall in May 2021 but saw out the season at Tottenham before completing the move.
Man with the Armband
Midfielder Joss Labadie captains the Saddlers. He began his youth career at West Bromwich Albion and made the step up to the first team in 2008 but never played a game for the Baggies. He went on loan to Shrewsbury Town, Cheltenham Town and Tranmere Rovers where he signed permanently in 2010.
He would go onto the play for Notts County, Torquay United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Newport County before joining Walsall.
The 31-year-old has appeared in 16 games this season in all competitions and has received six bookings. He served his suspension against Harrogate Town and was clearly a big miss for his team who had only lost once in their last nine as they went down 3-1 to the Yorkshire side without his presence.
Star Man
Wales international Rollin Menayese who is currently on loan from Mansfield Town has been a key player in the heart of Walsall’s defence. He spent his youth career in Cardiff before joining Weston-Super-Mare and worked his way up the league playing for Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town, Aldershot Town, Mansfield, Grimsby Town and now Walsall.
This season the centre-back has made 19 appearances in all competitions picking up four yellow cards. He has been a part of seven clean sheets in league and cup and has started the last 11 games straight. The 23-year-old is getting regular football at a good level and will hope this can become another successful loan spell.
Top Scorer
On loan Barnsley forward George Miller is the Saddlers’ top scorer with seven goals so far this season. All of them in the league including braces against Barrow and Exeter City in two 2-2 draws and another two goals in a 3-1 win over Mansfield Town. His other goal came in another 3-1 win this time away at Oldham Athletic.
Last time out and recent form
In their last five games Walsall have won and lost twice with one draw. The Saddlers’ two wins both came away from home against Sutton United in the league and King’s Lynn Town in the Emirates FA Cup. The two defeats came at home to Forest Green in the Papa John’s Trophy and against Harrogate Town in the League.
Walsall’s draw came in their most recent match at home to Rochdale which finished 0-0. There were 25 shots in total in the game but only 6 of them were on target. Walsall had the better of Rochdale in the first-half but failed to take advantage of the opportunities. The visitors improved in the second but a draw was probably a fair result.