Walsall V Tranmere at Banks's Stadium : Match Preview

11 March 2013 15:01
Walsall V Tranmere - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Same again for Saddlers

Walsall are likely to remain unchanged for a fourth successive match as they host Tranmere in the second of two crunch promotion clashes in the space of four days.

Boss Dean Smith kept faith with his Saddlers side for Saturday's trip to third-placed Swindon and watched Jamie Paterson's 90th-minute header snatch a 2-2 draw.

With no fresh injury or suspension concerns, Smith will see no reason to change as fourth-placed Rovers arrive at the Banks's Stadium seven points ahead of his men.

Back-up goalkeeper David Grof failed to make the bench at the weekend due to illness and he is again a doubt, with Liam Roberts once more ready to step in as reserve for Aaron McCarey.

Richard Taundry continues to be on the periphery of the matchday 18 as he makes his comeback from an ankle problem.

Tranmere will be without on-loan Bolton forward Michael O'Halloran when they travel to Walsall.

O'Halloran damaged his knee during the warm-up for Saturday's 1-0 home win over Oldham and was forced out of the action after 20 minutes, with David Amoo introduced in his place.

Ian Goodison similarly suffered a knock beforehand but the 40-year-old centre-back is set to retain his place at the Banks' Stadium having completed 90 minutes at the weekend.

Stoke loanee Mamady Sidibe is expected to fall foul of hamstring trouble once more, although Rovers boss Ronnie Moore has refused to rule the experienced striker out of contention.

"We've got to wait on Mamady," he told the club's official website. "It was just a bit tight on Friday so Saturday was a bit early for him.

"We're hopeful he'll get through the training session (on Monday) and possibly play but I'd say it's 60-40 he won't play."

Winger Adam McGurk (collapsed lung) remains sidelined along with midfield duo Andy Robinson (hamstring) and James Wallace (knee).

Source: PA