Walsall will take on Stevenage, Fulham under-21s, and Leicester City during the group stage of the Vertu Trophy. The EFL have announced the dates for Walsall’s group stage fixtures in the Vertu Trophy this season. Walsall will host Stevenage in their opening match at Bescot on September 22, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm. This will be the Saddlers' first competitive match under new head coach Lee Grant.
What happened?
Walsall will face Stevenage, Fulham under-21s, and Leicester City during the group stage of the Vertu Trophy. The EFL have announced the dates for Walsall’s group stage fixtures in the Vertu Trophy this season.
Why it matters for Walsall
The Vertu Trophy is an important competition for Walsall, providing a chance for the team to test themselves against other League Two and Championship teams. Walsall will be looking to build on their recent performances and make a strong start to the competition.
What comes next?
Walsall will host Stevenage in their opening match at Bescot on September 22, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm. This will be the Saddlers' first competitive match under new head coach Lee Grant.
Walsall will be in competitive action under new head coach Lee Grant for the first time when they travel to Ashton Gate for their Carabao Cup first round tie against Championship side Bristol City on Thursday evening. Walsall beat Stevenage 2-1 in the round of 32 last term, before bowing out in the next stage following a 4-2 defeat at Northampton Town in mid January.
In pre-season, Walsall registered goalless draw against Leamington and Notts County either side of a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Aston Villa and a 1-0 defeat at AFC Telford United. But the performance against Notts County was the Saddlers’ most encouraging under Grant yet and he feels Walsall are taking “positive steps forward” with the new season on the horizon.
“Absolutely - that is what we asked from the group,” Grant said. “We want them to keep taking positive steps forward. “They’ve done that figuratively and literally as well in terms of their performance. “Being very front-footed and aggressive. So yes, lots of things that we’re pleased with.”
Walsall are currently 13th in England League Two, with 65 points from 46 games last season. They have scored 56 goals and conceded 56 so far this season, and are 22 points behind leaders Bromley. Their next fixture is against Accrington ST on February 6, 2027.
Walsall will be looking to build on their recent performances and make a strong start to the Vertu Trophy. With the group stage fixtures confirmed, the Saddlers will be eager to get underway and make a positive impact in the competition.
