Charlie Lakin's "unfortunate" suspension means opportunity knocks for others at Walsall

Lakin will serve a one-match suspension at Fleetwood Town this weekend, after he was dismissed for two bookable offences during the Saddlers' 1-0 victory over Chesterfield last Saturday. 

The 26-year-old had previously started every league game for Walsall this season and has been one of the standout performers during the opening seven games. 

Jamie Jellis is "fighting to be fit" after missing the past fortnight with a groin issue, while Ryan Finnigan made his first league start in his absence last time out. 

Courtney Clarke has played in midfield on a number of occasions from the bench, and Jake Hollman and Ronan Maher are also alternatives for Sadler to ponder. 

"Chaz is out which was hurtful to us in that game and then hurtful to us in this game because of how well has has started the season," Sadler bemoaned. 

"I didn't think it was a sending off which is frustrating, but he'll be up there cheering the team on and it's over to the next player to take their chance. 

"It's ever-moving [team selection], there's not a situation of this is how it is or this is how it'll be from now until May. 

"Someone else through the misfortune of Charlie will get the chance to show what they can do." 

Walsall lost both fixtures against Fleetwood last season, including an infamous 6-2 drubbing at Bescot in October 2024. 

Sadler has also never beaten Pete Wild as a manager, losing four and drawing one of their five battles on the touchline. 

Fleetwood are bound to offer a very different test to recent games, which has seen Walsall reel off three successive league wins, and Sadler insists his team are ready. 

"They're big, they're strong. They work hard and we know it'll be a tough game at their place," he added. 

"It'll be a really interesting one from our perspective. The games don't get any easier but we just have to focus on ourselves. 

"I don't see any easy games in this division and I feel it's as strong as it's ever been in terms of the money being thrown around, the squads being put together and the level of coaching."