Preview: Walsall vs. Tranmere Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Walsall play host to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their position at the top of the League Two table.

Meanwhile, Rovers make the trip to the West Midlands sitting just five points clear of the relegation zone.

---

Match preview

With the last game at Cheltenham Town falling foul of the weather, Matt Sadler may have welcomed the extra week off for his all-conquering Walsall side.

However, there is a air of uncertainty over whether the Saddlers will be able to seamlessly continue a seven-match winning streak as they attempt to cruise to the title.

There is currently a 10-point gap over second place with a game in hand, Walsall now also having back-to-back home fixtures against the 20th and 11th-placed teams in the fourth tier.

Goals have not necessarily been easy to come by, though. The West Midlands outfit have failed to score more than twice in any of their last six league encounters.

Nevertheless, just one strike has been conceded during that period, while Walsall will now look to better a home record that currently stands at 29 points being accumulated from a possible 36.

Back in August, Tranmere were able to record a 1-0 victory over Walsall at Prenton Park, a result which was followed by a win at Carlisle United.

Since then, though, Nigel Adkins's team have recorded just four victories in 19 league matches, leaving them in a scrap to avoid demotion to the National League.

On a positive note, four points have been collected from their last three outings, the double being completed over Carlisle to extend the gap to the bottom-placed side to seven points.

That said, Tranmere make the trip to Walsall with the worst away record in the division, racking up just eight points from 11 matches and losing their last five.

---

Team News

The extended break provided this Walsall squad with a much-needed break and it frees up Sadler to name his strongest XI.

Having been partially rested last time out, Jamille Matt will return to the attack to take the place of fellow veteran Albert Adomah.

While Josh Gordon is pushing for a return to the squad after a hamstring injury, Priestley Farquharson remains on the sidelines.

Barring any fitness issues, Adkins could select the same Tranmere side that started the potentially-pivotal win over Carlisle.

Adkins switched to a back three for that contest, the introduction of Cameron Norman at right wing-back proving decisive as he scored the only goal of the game.

Walsall possible starting lineup: Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Weir; Barrett, Jellis, Stirk, Lakin, Gordon; Lowe, Matt

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup: McGee; O'Connor, Davies, Turnbull; Norman, Finley, Morris, Bradshaw; Jennings, Saunders, Patrick

---

We say: Walsall 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

With Tranmere having posted a crucial victory last time out, there will be extra belief ahead of taking on the toughest challenge in the division. Nevertheless, we still expect Walsall to come through with the three points and to keep a clean sheet in the process.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

---

---