Mat Sadler should stick with winning formula as Walsall host Accrington

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. 

Matt's recent renaissance 

Jamille Matt has also undergone somewhat of a renaissance and is expected to make his 11th consecutive start in the league. 

Aaron Pressley has been ruled fit after recovering from a broken hand, but the Scotsman could find himself struggling for minutes over the coming games. 

36-year-old Matt has scored twice and set-up one more in his last four league games, while the arrival of Fulham under-21s striker Aaron Loupalo-Bi on loan has only increased competition in attack. 

Meanwhile, Pressley has admitted himself that his form prior to his hamstring injury in November had dropped below the standards he expects of himself. 

But he is yet to rediscover his groove since making his comeback just before Christmas either. 

Defensive foundations to build on

The defence also looked much more solid against Tranmere, although you got the sense that tougher challenges lie ahead.

Nonetheless, Priestley Farquharson recovered from a couple of early wobbles to produce a dominant display, which he capped with the opening goal. 

Aden Flint was a towering presence once again and produced the most extraordinary of assists for Matt to score the Saddlers' third goal. 

Evan Weir had been struggling for form heading into the trip to Merseyside, but looked much more assured too. 

The wing-back positions are likely to look the same with Connor Barrett on the right and Vincent Harper on the left. 

However, Mason Hancock will provide strong competition, and an attacking option, after recovering from a dislocated knee. 

Richards versatility

Sadler has also highlighted Rico Richards as having a potentially more prominent role to play during the second half of the season. 

Richards has played just 44 minutes across his four appearances from the bench in League Two this term. 

The Port Vale loanee has impressed Sadler in the EFL Trophy though - scoring twice against Stevenage and setting up a goal for Kanu at Northampton last week. 

He offers versatility in one of the two 8 roles, and could feasibly be deployed as a No 10 in the Saddlers' new look midfield. 

His performances up front in the EFL Trophy has also provided Sadler with a very different type of attacking option. 

This type of flexibility could be key, even if it's initially from the bench in certain games.

Walsall predicted XI (3-1-4-2): Roberts; Farquharson, Flint, Weir; Comley; Barrett, Jellis, Pattison, Harper; Kanu, Matt. 

Subs: Hornby, Burke, Hancock, Lakin, Richards, Adomah, Loupalo-Bi.