Walsall predicted XI: Tai Sodje call, Sven Sprangler question and right-back quandary
A look at how Walsall could line-up against Swindon at the County Ground this weekend.
Walsall’s first half performance on Tuesday has provided Lee Grant with plenty to ponder ahead of their trip to Swindon Town on Saturday.
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Tai Sodje scored his first two goals for the club in a 3-2 win over Fulham under-21s in the EFL Trophy, which could potentially lead to him getting the nod over Andy Dallas on the weekend.
He combined effectively with Courtney Clarke, who also impressed from the bench at Fleetwood Town.
It would be hardly surprising if Clarke is preferred to Lewis Simper on the right wing in Wiltshire.
Simper has not quite clicked at Walsall yet, while his best performance came as a No 10 in the win over Port Vale, rather than on the wing.
Clarke has registered three assists this term and his explosive style could provide Walsall with the injection of energy required to start the game strongly.
That has been an issue for Walsall in the past two games, as a late revival has seen them snatch draws at Fleetwood and Tranmere Rovers respectively.
Sven Sprangler has gone off the boil in both games. He was composure personified in the first seven games, but has had a couple of tricky afternoons in League Two.
The Austrian conceded a penalty against Tranmere and was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession last weekend.
Meanwhile, Charlie Crew showcased his technical prowess off the bench, and produced a strong performance at the base of midfield in midweek.
Aaron Pressley should inevitably lead the line after scoring six goals across all competitions and Reece Smith should continue on the left after a strong start.
Mason Hancock is the only outfielder to play every minute for Walsall in League Two and James Connolly has been a regular at the heart of defence.
Grant did shuffle his pack in defence at Fleetwood though, as Declan Skura was deployed at right-back and Ryan Leak was recalled in the centre of the back-line.
Elicha Ahui had a challenging evening against Fulham under-21s and it will be interesting to see if he is left out for the second league game on the spin.
As for between the sticks, Jed Ward is the first name on the team sheet, after registering five clean sheets in League Two.
Walsall predicted XI
Walsall (4-2-3-1): Ward; Skura, Leak, Connolly, Hancock; Crew, Moore; Clarke, Sodje, Smith; Pressley.
Subs: Wooster, Furlong, Burke, Sprangler, Simper, Dallas, Adomah.
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