Mat Sadler should stick with winning formula as Walsall host Accrington
Mat Sadler should stick with a winning formula when Walsall host Accrington Stanley at Bescot on Saturday.
The Saddlers eased to a 3-1 victory against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park last weekend to register their first win of 2026.
Walsall are in action again when they welcome Crawley Town to WS1 on Tuesday night, which means Sadler will possibly need to manage minutes whenever possible.
But there has been a seven-day break between games this week and no news of any injury setbacks during that time.
Midfield revamp here to stay?
Sadler inverted the Walsall midfield to great effect at Tranmere.
Brandon Comley sat at the base of the midfield troika, as new signing Alex Pattison alternated seamlessly between his defensive and attacking duties.
Pattison, who signed from Bradford City for an undisclosed fee earlier this month, could provide exactly the boost Walsall need in their League Two promotion push.
The 28-year-old boasts experience, but also the creative spark, which Walsall have been lacking at times this season.
His work in the press to pickpocket former Bradford teammate Richie Smallwood and set-up Daniel Kanu to score served as a prime example of his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
The change in set-up also liberated Jamie Jellis, who produced one of his best performances in a long time.
