Walsall face a major test of their promotion credentials when they host League Two leaders Salford City at the Bescot Stadium on Monday night. The Saddlers, sitting fourth in the table on 19 points from 11 games, are six points behind their visitors and will look to extend an unbeaten run of five matches. Their record of four wins and seven draws this season is the foundation for their current position.
Their recent form has been built on a solid defence and timely goals. A 3-0 victory over Oldham last time out on Tuesday 20 October, with Aaron Pressley scoring twice, followed a 1-1 draw at Swindon Town on Saturday 17 October. They have taken 19 points from their opening 11 games, scoring 16 goals and conceding just seven for a healthy goal difference of plus nine. Their recent form across the last five matches reads two wins and three draws, keeping them unbeaten since a heavy defeat to Stevenage in late September.
Recent momentum
The 3-2 win over Fulham's under-21s in the EFL Trophy and draws against Fleetwood Town and Tranmere have contributed to a sequence where they have not lost since late September. Pressley's brace against Oldham took his tally for the season to four, while Taione Richard Evumena Sodje has also been among the goals, netting in the last two league outings. Sodje opened the scoring against Oldham and also netted the equaliser at Swindon. The team's top scorer this season remains D. Kanu, who has 15 goals in 40 appearances.
Salford City arrive in formidable form themselves, having won four of their last five matches. Their 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers last weekend kept them at the summit. The Ammies typically set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with experienced defenders like Scarr providing a solid base.
Team news and context
Walsall are expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 shape that served them well in the comprehensive win over Oldham. That lineup featured Jed Ward in goal, a back four of Ahui, Declan Skura, Connolly and Furlong, with Crew and Isaac Moore in central midfield. Courtney Clarke and Simper provided width behind striker Pressley. Skura provided an assist in the Oldham win.
This fixture represents a direct opportunity to close the gap at the top. A positive result would solidify Walsall's place in the playoff positions and send a statement to the rest of the division. The match kicks off at 8pm on Monday, 26 October, under the Bescot Stadium lights.
