Preview: Walsall vs. Crawley Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Walsall will be aiming to bounce back after suffering three consecutive defeats in all competitions when they face Crawley Town on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Crawley have won once in their last seven League Two games, which leaves them in a lowly 19th position.

Match preview

© Reuters

Walsall enter Tuesday's fixture in 14th position and confidence will be low after suffering eliminations from the EFL Trophy and FA Cup in consecutive games.

Last Tuesday, the Saddlers were on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline away to Cambridge United, which saw Walsall's journey in the EFL Trophy come to an end.

Another defeat followed in the FA Cup at the weekend against Swindon Town, despite Emmanuel Osadebe equalising for Walsall, but Swindon won the second round tie courtesy of Kaine Kesler's strike.

Matthew Taylor's side will turn their attention back to league matters, and they will be aiming to end a three-game winless league run at home.

Although, the Saddlers will be comforted by their recent defensive displays after keeping three clean sheets in their last five league games.

Meanwhile, Crawley are struggling with only one win in their last nine competitive matches and that poor form leaves them six points above the relegation zone.

John Yems's side have collected four points from their previous seven league fixtures, but with all four of those points resulting from their last three games, there is reason to believe that their fortunes may be changing.

Without a game at the weekend, Crawley's last fixture took place on November 27 - an encounter that saw them lose 2-1 against Mansfield Town.

Tuesday's visitors will be hoping to improve defensively after conceding in six of their last seven league games.

Although, three victories from their previous five away trips in League Two suggest that Crawley can cause Walsall problems on Tuesday.

Team News

Zak Mills came into the Walsall starting lineup on Saturday, and he is expected to continue at left-back against Crawley.

After being rested for the EFL Trophy game, Carl Rushworth returned to the side for the Swindon encounter, and the goalkeeper will be aiming for his sixth clean sheet of the league season.

George Miller will lead the line for the hosts as he looks to add to his seven-goal tally.

Crawley will be hoping that James Tilley can continue his goalscoring form after scoring two goals in his last three games.

Kwesi Appiah will also pose a goal threat for the visitors after scoring seven goals in League Two this term.

Walsall possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; White, Menayese, Monthe, Mills; Labadie, Earing, Osadebe; Wilkinson, Phillips, Miller

Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Morris; Davies, Francillette, Craig, Francomb; Frost, Hessenthaler, Powell, Tilley; Nadesan, Appiah

We say: Walsall 2-1 Crawley Town

The contest will likely be close, but after winning the last two home meetings between the two sides, we think that Walsall will have the upper hand and that they will claim a narrow victory.

Previews by email