ADVER Sport's guide to Town's next opponents: Walsall.
THE CHALKBOARD
WALSALL are surpassing all expectations this season and doing so on one of the lowest five budgets in the league.
This season it has just clicked for Dean Smith’s side and it is a good example of what can happen when you stick with a manager.
They are a small side who have always enjoyed keeping the ball on the ground and passing the ball to keep on top of possession.
Smith keeps his players organised and, barring one or two additions in the summer, they have been doing their roles now for a couple of seasons and that consistency has been key.
Smith’s systems are not rigid as well and he switches it up between 3-5-2, 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1.
They are an attacking side who know how to defend.
Dean Smith
LIKELY LINE-UP
A MAN IN FORM: ROMAINE SAWYERS
ROMAINE Sawyers has been the main man for Walsall this season.
He is an attacking midfielder who sees things that other players don’t and is technically very gifted and likes to occupy the pocket between the opposition midfield and defence.
The 24-year-old has not always been a fans' favourite with the Saddlers faithful, with his flicks and tricks often frustrating those in the stands in years gone by.
However, this season it has clicked for the youngster and he is key in breaking down the opposition defence and needs to be marshalled well this evening.
Romaine Sawyers
TREATMENT ROOM
SAM Mantom is the only player ruled out for the visitors heading to Wiltshire tonight.
The 23-year-old central midfielder has been out for three weeks with an ankle strain and is a good week away from returning to the squad in any capacity.
Apart from that, Dean Smith has a fully-fit squad to pick from and is likely to name an unchanged side for the first time this season, following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United.
Sam Mantom
OPPOSITION FORM GUIDE
Tue, Oct 20 - SKYBET LEAGUE 1 - 2-0 WIN V BARNSLEY (A)
Sat, Oct 24 - SKYBET LEAGUE 1- 4-4 DRAW V COLCHESTER (A)
Sat, Oct 31 - SKYBET LEAGUE 1 - 3-2 WIN V GILLINGHAM (H)
Sat, Nov 7 - FA CUP ROUND 1 - 2-0 WIN V FLEETWOOD (H)
Sat, Nov 21 - SKYBET LEAGUE 1 - 1-1 DRAW V SHEFF UTD (A)
GOALSCORERS
TOM BRADSHAW: 10, ROMAINE SAWYERS: 6, MILAN LALKOVIC: 4
DISCIPLINE
ROMAINE SAWYERS: 2Y, NEIL ETHERIDGE: 2Y, SAM MANTOM 1Y
THE STAT
Town have yet to keep a clean sheet at the County Ground this season.
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