Walsall vs Grimsby - predicted XI: Two possible changes in key early season battle
Mat Sadler has demonstrated his willingness to rotate and that could prompt changes again when Grimsby Town visit Bescot tomorrow night.
The Walsall boss made 10 changes in the League Cup shoot-out defeat at Stoke City last week and made a further three alterations in the 2-1 win at Barnet on Saturday.
Rico Browne and Evan Weir both sat out the victory in the capital, as Sadler handed league debuts to Harrison Burke and Dan Cox.
I'd expect Burke to keep his place on the right of defence, although Weir could be restored on the left to provide Walsall with more attacking impetus.
Brandon Comley has impressed over the past two games after recovering from his red card in the 2-1 win over Swindon Town in the opening fixture.
Connor Barrett is one of the first names on the team sheet on current form and Mason Hancock has made a bright start to life at Walsall in the left wing-back position.
Barrett was one of the most notable players to suffer from fatigue in the second half of last season, but has comeback stronger from his first campaign in the Football League.
He opened the scoring inside 80 seconds with his second goal of the season at Barnet and there is a remarkable improvement in his defensive game too.
The 23-year-old completed all eight of his tackles and won 13 of his defensive duels, which was the most on the pitch in both metrics.
The physical demands put on the two advanced midfielders means that rotation in that area will be key.
Jamie Jellis has somewhat flattered to deceive early on and Courtney Clarke has been pushing for his first league start after a trio of cameos from the bench.
Ronan Maher travelled to the English capital as the 19th man on the weekend after impressing at Stoke and should also be knocking at the door for a place on the bench.
The attack likely remains the same. Jonny Stuttle and Aaron Pressley complimented each other well during the first half at Barnet, but the challenge for them now is to maintain that over a 90-minute period.
Walsall predicted XI: Roberts; Burke, Flint, Weir; Comley; Barrett, Clarke, Lakin, Hancock; Pressley, Stuttle.
Subs: Hornby, Farquharson, Warrington, Jellis, Maher, Adomah, Matt.
