Walsall v Notts County preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Walsall and Notts County at Banks's Stadium.

Last Updated: 15/02/13 at 14:03   

Ben Purkiss: Faces late fitness test

Ben Purkiss: Faces late fitness test

Ben Purkiss is a doubt for Walsall.

The defender was forced off just before half-time in last weekend's impressive 2-1 victory at Doncaster nursing a hamstring strain and will be assessed as late as possible ahead of the encounter at the Banks's Stadium.

Richard Taundry could come into contention having failed to feature at the Keepmoat Stadium, despite returning to training last week after a troublesome ankle injury.

Manager Dean Smith boasts no other injury or suspension concerns as the Saddlers aim to consolidate their push for a play-off place.

Smith's side have won eight of their last 10 games to shoot up to ninth in the League One table and are within seven points of the top six.

Notts County will have captain Neal Bishop back in contention.

Bishop has completed his three-match suspension for the red card he received during the 2-0 win at Portsmouth on January 29 and caretaker manager Chris Kiwomya must decide whether the skipper goes straight back into his starting line-up.

Another selection issue facing Kiwomya comes between the posts.

First-choice goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski has resumed training, three weeks after suffering a head injury during the 2-1 defeat at Leyton Orient.

Teenager Fabian Spiess has impressed in the Pole's absence, leaving Kiwomya and goalkeeping coach Kevin Pilkington with a dilemma.

Leicester striker Jacob Blyth could be added to the squad after joining the Magpies on a month-long loan deal this week.

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npower League 1

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Doncaster 46 18 84
2 Bournemth 46 23 83
3 Brentford 46 15 79
4 Yeovil 46 15 77
5 Sheff Utd 46 14 75
6 Swindon 46 33 74
7 Leyton Or 46 7 71
8 MK Dons 46 17 70
9 Walsall 46 7 68
10 Crawley 46 1 68
11 Tranmere 46 10 67
12 Notts Co 46 12 65
13 Crewe 46 -8 64
14 Preston 46 5 59
15 Coventry 46 7 55
16 Shrewsbury 46 -6 55
17 Carlisle 46 -21 55
18 Stevenage 46 -17 54
19 Oldham 46 -13 51
20 Colchester 46 -21 51
21 Scunthorpe 46 -24 48
22 Bury 46 -28 41
23 Hartlepool 46 -28 41
24 Portsmouth 46 -18 32

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

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