Walsall Football League fixtures 2016/17 - EFL season starts at home to AFC Wimbledon

Walsall will kick off the 2016-17 League One season by hosting recently-promoted Wimbledon at the Banks's Stadium.

The Saddlers will entertain Neal Ardley's side – who came up through the League Two play-offs - on Saturday August 6.

That promotion was the Dons sixth since their formation in 2002.

Supporters of the old Wimbledon FC formed a new club following the decision of chairman Pete Winkelman to relocate to Milton Keynes.

In what is Jon Whitney's first full season as manager, Walsall will then face away trips to Oldham and Chesterfield before finishing the opening month with home clashes against Charlton and Bury.

September begins with back-to-back trips to promoted sides, as Whitney's men travel to Bristol Rovers and Northampton before Bolton visit the West Midlands.

October sees the Saddlers take on local rivals Shrewsbury Town and Coventry – both at home.

On Boxing Day, Walsall travel to take on Port Vale – where they won 5-0 on the last day of last season.

Oxford United will be the destination on New Year's Eve before a home game with Rochdale on 2 January 2017.

The Saddlers final four games will see them travel to Greenhous Meadow to take on Shrewsbury Town, before games against Swindon and Coventry.

They will close the season at home to Milton Keynes Dons on April 30.

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