Walsall predicted XI: A rare chance for Sam Hornby and a question to stick or twist

The 24-year-old was sent off during first half stoppage time after clattering into former Saddlers striker Andy Cook just before the interval. 

Priestley Farquharson had headed Walsall into a first half lead, but saw the tables turned courtesy of a brace from Cook after the break. 

Will Kanu be ready?

Aaron Pressley salvaged a point with his first goal in over four months and could lead the line again as the sole striker if top scorer Daniel Kanu is unable to recover from illness. 

The absence of Kanu prompted Sadler to switch to a box midfield at Grimsby and it proved a fruitful ploy - particularly during the first half. 

The red card changed the course of the game, but it would not be a surprise if Sadler names an unchanged XI besides the suspended Roberts. 

The makings of a settling team?

Kacper Lopata gave a really good account of himself on his full debut and did enough to retain his place over an out-of-sorts Evan Weir. 

The Irishman was not included in the squad at Blundell Park after a difficult start to 2026, as Connor Barrett was another notable omission. 

The change of personnel at wing-back proved effective, especially from an attacking perspective. 

Courtney Clarke offered a productive attacking outlet on the right and Jid Okeke demonstrated his offensive qualities too. 

Will Sadler stick with his box midfield?

Charlie Lakin was expected to sit alongside Brandon Comley in a double pivot, but that role went instead to Alex Pattison. 

Lakin thrived in a more advanced role and was instrumental to the energy and efficiency of the press. 

He had to be sacrificed once Roberts was given his early marching orders, but his 45-minute showing at Grimsby could serve as a catalyst for better performances to come from Lakin.

The Walsall midfielder has been in and out of the team in recent weeks and was finally able to show what a crucial cog he can be in any system. 

As for Jamie Jellis, it didn't happen for him on the ball, but he compensated for that with a strong performance out-of-possession. 

That needs to be the foundation for him in every game, and hopefully things will eventually click in other areas. 

But that would perhaps be the only question mark in what could otherwise become a settled team, which is prepared to use the confidence and momentum from their battling draw last time out.

Predicted XI

Walsall (3-4-2-1): Hornby; Farquharson, Flint, Lopata; Clarke, Comley, Pattison, Okeke; Jellis, Lakin; Pressley 

Subs: Kilroy, Burke, Barrett, Chang, Richards, Kanu, Adomah.