Walsall v Crawley preview

Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Walsall and Crawley Town at the Banks's Stadium.

Last Updated: 15/03/13 at 16:12   

Josh Simpson: Out of Saddlers trip

Josh Simpson: Out of Saddlers trip

Walsall boss Dean Smith must decide whether to tinker with a winning formula as his side face a third game in the space of a week at home to Crawley.

Smith named an unchanged XI for the fourth successive match on Tuesday as the Saddlers brushed side fellow promotion rivals Tranmere 2-0, coming after their 2-2 draw at Swindon last weekend.

And, with no new injury or suspension problems expected, the only thing on Smith's mind may be whether to rotate one or two players in order to try and extend the midlands club's eight-match unbeaten record.

The likes of Nicky Featherstone, Ashley Hemmings, James Baxendale, George Bowerman, Ben Purkiss and Dean Holden are all options should Smith look to freshen things up.

Crawley are still without skipper Josh Simpson for the trip to Walsall.

The midfielder has yet to recover from the ankle injury he suffered shortly after scoring Town's goal in the 1-1 draw against Doncaster last month.

Defender Kyle McFadzean will also miss out again as he continues to build up his fitness following the virus which struck him down in November.

But boss Richie Barker has no new injury worries and was able to welcome back top scorer Billy Clarke (hamstring) in the 2-2 draw at Yeovil in midweek.

Clarke should start again alongside new signing Paul Hayes, who made his debut at Huish Park.

Midfielder Nicky Adams could return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench on Tuesday.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

League One Fixtures

Sunday, 19 May 2013
13:30
Brentford v Yeovil

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

Footer 365

Jones: No tension at Stoke

Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones has apologised to Glenn Whelan after smashing his car windscreen in a mistaken act of retribution for a prank.

Hodgson plea for clubs' help

England boss Roy Hodgson has called for Manchester City and Tottenham to follow Chelsea's lead and release players early.

Bundesliga: Fortuna down in dramatic finale as Hoffenheim and Augsburg escape

Fortuna Dusseldorf were relegated from the Bundesliga as Hoffenheim and Augsburg staged final-day escape acts.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved