Walsall v Morecambe: George Bennett's predicted XI

However, Walsall condemned Hartlepool United to a 4-0 crushing in their last league opener on home soil and have not tasted defeat at Bescot on opening day since 2012 (five wins, one draw).

Without further ado, George Bennett provides you with his predicted line-up for Walsall's League Two opener:

(3-1-4-2)

Tommy Simkin

The 19-year-old looks set to head into the season as Jackson Smith's successor between the sticks. On loan from Stoke City, Simkin will face competition from fellow summer signing Sam Hornby with the goalkeeping department undergoing a real shake up over the summer.

Oisin McEntee

His return will provide Walsall with a real boost. He predominantly played in midfield last term - registering six goals and four assists before a hamstring injury ruled him out for the rest of the season from Boxing Day onwards.

However, McEntee has played the whole of pre-season in his traditional position in the heart of defence and will likely resume that role during the new season.

Priestley Farquharson

While McEntee's return will likely help improve Walsall's defence, a fully fit Farquharson could prove crucial this term. The 27-year-old missed 20 games during an injury-plagued debut campaign at Bescot but showcased his quality during a run in the side last winter.

Taylor Allen

Donervon Daniels is set to miss the start of the season after requiring surgery on a knee injury which means Taylor Allen, fresh from penning a new deal until 2026, will look to pick up from where he left off last season.

Ryan Stirk

Former Birmingham City midfielder Stirk is expected to fill the void as Brandon Comley continues to recover from a fractured leg which he suffered in the second pre-season game against Villa.

Stirk has played as the single pivot in his absence before and impressed when filling in for Comley in the 2-1 victory over Swindon Town towards the end of last season.

Connor Barrett

The right wing-back slot is perhaps the most contentious position as it stands with 36-year-old Albert Adomah providing stern competition for Barrett, who arrived from National League side AFC Fylde earlier in the window.

Former Villa man Adomah missed the end of pre-season due to a family matter but returned to training earlier this week. Yet you'd suspect Barrett will be given the nod based on minutes played in recent weeks.

Jamie Jellis

The midfield will very much depend on the fitness of Jack Earing. If match fit, you'd expect Sadler to restore him to his starting XI, but if not, then it presents a great opportunity for Jellis with Ronan Maher ineligible due to suspension.

Jellis scored three goals during pre-season, including a long-range curler against former club Tamworth.

Charlie Lakin

Many will be hoping that Lakin can become the heir to Hutchinson's vacated throne.

Hutchinson was directly involved in just over a third of Walsall's league tally last term (12 goals, 11 assists), but Lakin racked up impressive figures on loan at a struggling Sutton United team during the second half of last season - registering eight goals and five assists.

Liam Gordon

The Guyana international was one of Walsall's most consistent performers last term but he has serious competition in the form of Evan Weir following his arrival from Drogheda United.

Nonetheless, he is still set to start the season as first choice in the left wing-back slot.

Josh Gordon

The strikers pick for themselves as it stands unless Walsall welcome another frontman through the door before the season gets underway which is looking increasingly unlikely.

Josh Gordon will buzz around and augment the press but an opening goal would be the perfect tonic after scoring just once in 21 appearances during his loan last term.

Jamille Matt

Matt proved a key figure during the second half of the campaign with four goals since the turn of the year. His fitness was his only downfall in the latter stages of the season although he appears to have shaken that off in pre-season.