Walsall V Crewe at Banks's Stadium : Match Preview

10 March 2014 17:01
Walsall V Crewe - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Saddlers duo in line for return

Walsall manager Dean Smith is expected to recall Paul Downing and Craig Westcarr ahead of their clash with relegation-threatened Crewe.


With 66 season appearances between them so far, the Saddlers boss surprisingly opted to rest the popular duo for their crushing 3-0 derby defeat to Wolves on Saturday but a recall to the starting XI is likely ahead of Tuesday's game.


Midfielder Sam Mantom will serve the final match of a three-game ban following his red card at Preston 10 days ago while Dean Holden (knee) continues to be sidelined.


A number of Crewe's recent injury absentees are back in training.


Midfielder Bradden Inman (hip), club captain Abdul Osman (foot) and striker Ajay Leitch-Smith (ankle) all trained on Monday despite their respective problems.


The Alex's Under-21s play on Monday with defender George Ray and Uche Ikpeazu (both ankle) pencilled in to play some part as they continue to build up their fitness.


It is not all good news, though, with goalkeeper Neil Etheridge (thigh), forward Ryan Colclough (stomach) and striker Max Clayton (ankle) all still absent.


Walsall will be looking to end of run of four straight defeats but will be will be hopeful of a repeat of the 3-0 win earlier in the season at Gresty Road when a Westcarr brace helped secure all three points.


Source: PA