Walsall's predicted XI vs Swindon: Potential opportunity knocks for Rico Browne
Walsall defender Rico Browne could be pushing for his league debut against Swindon Town at Bescot on Saturday.
Harrison Burke is a doubt ahead of the opening fixture, after suffering a minor ankle injury during the Saddlers' 3-0 win at Forest Green Rovers last weekend.
He will be assessed in the lead up to the match, with boss Mat Sadler ranking his chances of availability at '50/50'.
So it feels even if Burke is passed fit, is it really worth risking him at this early stage of the season?
To add to that, Browne has featured heavily during pre-season and has been one of the standout performers. He has earned his chance to prove his worth in the league and appears to be the best possible option on the right of the back-three.
Aden Flint is likely to be another debutant in the anchor role with Sadler eager to ease Priestley Farquharson back into the fold, after he missed the majority of last season with a thigh injury.
The defence will be completed by either Evan Weir, or Derby County loanee Dan Cox, on the left.
Brandon Comley is poised to succeed Ryan Stirk in the holding position, with Jamie Jellis and Charlie Lakin ahead of them.
The midfield has more competition for places following the arrivals of Jake Hollman from A-League side Macarthur FC and Lewis Warrington from Leyton Orient this week.
There is also strong competition in the wing-back positions but the evidence from pre-season suggests Connor Barrett and Mason Hancock could be given the nod.
Aaron Pressley and Jonny Stuttle have struck up a fine attacking partnership ahead of the new season. Pressley, signed from Stevenage earlier this summer, scored three times in pre-season, and Bournemouth loanee Stuttle found the net twice.
Finally, Myles Roberts kept a clean sheet at Forest Green and had the chance to showcase his shot-stopping abilities after a few quiet outings between the sticks.
Walsall Predicted XI (3-1-4-2): Roberts; Browne, Flint, Weir; Comley; Barrett, Jellis, Lakin, Hancock; Pressley, Stuttle.
Subs: Hornby, Farquharson, Clarke, Harper, Warrington, Adomah, Matt.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.