'Lakin return & difficult calls on the bench' - Walsall's predicted XI vs Tranmere

Ryan Finnigan and Courtney Clarke filled the void excellently in the Saddlers' 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town last Saturday, with the latter making his first league start for the club. 

Whether Clarke's performance will be enough to retain his place in the XI, with Charlie Lakin eligible after suspension, is another question altogether. 

Positive midfield dilemma

Lakin has been one of the standout performers in the early stages of the season and has once again emerged as a key cog in the system under Sadler. 

As for Jamie Jellis, Sadler expects the midfielder to finally be available, after missing the past three games in all competitions with a groin issue.

Finnigan appears the likeliest to keep his place, with Sadler being unlikely to throw Jellis straight back into the team. 

The return of Jellis could at least have a trickle down effect in terms who Sadler names on the bench. 

Difficult calls on the bench

Jamille Matt has flattered to deceive with the limited minutes he had been handed, whereas Rico Richards looked exciting during his cameo from the bench. 

His versatility, both as a midfielder and a possible option as a second striker, surely makes him a more viable option for the bench?

Even then, Sadler will once again face the tough decision to omit either Richards or Jid Okeke, if he decides to recall Jellis.

An otherwise settled XI

The defence is likely to remain the same and Vincent Harper is establishing himself as a consistent operator since replacing the injured Mason Hancock at left wing-back. 

Connor Barrett is one of the first names on the team sheet, along with the evergreen Aden Flint, and Daniel Kanu has hit a rich vein of form in attack, after netting twice in as many games. 

So the midfield appears to only contentious area where Sadler could choose to shake things up. 

The lack of midweek games of late has also enabled Walsall to field their strongest XI and reduces the need for significant changes. 

Rotation will be key later down the line, but the Saddlers should make good use of the limited games, before the fixture schedule becomes congested again.

Walsall predicted XI: Roberts; Burke, Flint, Weir; Warrington; Barrett, Finnigan, Lakin, Harper; Pressley, Kanu. 

Subs: Hornby, Browne, Comley, Clarke, Jellis, Richards, Adomah.