Walsall debrief: EFL Trophy exit, back-three, injuries and Andy Dallas strikes again

Andy Dallas fired Walsall into a 10th-minute lead with his second goal in as many games, but John Lundstram produced an outstanding overhead kick to level just 10 minutes later.

Will Smallbone completed the turnaround with a crisp volley on 32 minutes and that strike proved decisive for the hosts.

Here are the key talking points from the Saddlers’ cup exit...

EFL Trophy exit

Walsall were looking to reach the knockout stages for the third season on the spin, but were ultimately pipped to the post by Leicester.

Both teams were locked on three points heading into the final group game, which meant that there was added jeopardy to this clash.

A victory for either side would guarantee progression, although Walsall could’ve snuck into the last 32 with a draw and an extra bonus point by winning the shoot-out.

Instead, Leicester fought back to beat Walsall and condemn them to a second cup exit in just three days, after they bowed out of the FA Cup at Newport County on Saturday.

Injuries mounting?

It has not been a particularly good week for Walsall on the injury front.

Mason Hancock picked up a groin issue during the warm-up at Newport County on the weekend and was not involved at Leicester either as a result.

Ryan Leak was then forced off after just 30 minutes at the King Power Stadium, which is always a concern considering his injury record.

Dixon makes injury comeback

Lee Grant made six changes from the defeat in the FA Cup, as Roman Dixon made his long-awaited return from injury.

Dixon has struggled with a calf injury since arriving in the summer and had played just 63 minutes in all competitions prior to Tuesday night.

Starting at right wing-back, Dixon had his work cut out and was outfoxed by Tommy Watson, who set-up the Foxes’ second goal for Smallbone.

But there were plenty of positive signs for Dixon and he will certainly benefit from over an hour of game time in the tank.

Switching to a back-three

Grant opted to switch to a back-three, hoping for a similar performance to the victory over Bristol City in his very first game.

Instead, Leicester dominated proceedings, even if Walsall took the lead against the run of play, and soon reasserted their authority by coming from behind to lead at half-time.

The game plan was tested further in the wake of Leak’s injury, as Elicha Ahui was forced to deputise as a makeshift right centre-back.

Walsall did switch to a back-four for the closing stages, but were unable to find a crucial leveller.

Dallas on target (again)

It has not been the smoothest starts to life for Dallas at Walsall, but he has had a good week on the goal scoring front.

The Walsall frontman opened the scoring at Newport and did so again three days later after showing great perseverance to convert with his second bite of the cherry.

With two goals in as many games, Dallas will certainly be looking to build on his recent purple patch.

Big night for Sjoerdsma

Stan Straw was the storyline of the EFL Trophy last term, but Will Etheridge and Ryan Sjoerdsma have been the most intriguing subplots this season.

The likes of Archie Bunn and Jaden Kandemiri have also made competitive debuts under Lee Grant, who has continued the club’s ploy to provide academy prospects with minutes in the EFL Trophy.

16-year-old Sjoerdsma made his second senior start at Leicester and showed plenty of promise.