Walsall vs Tranmere - preview: Home comforts continue to generate early season optimism

Walsall will be searching for a third league win on the spin on home soil when Tranmere Rovers visit the West Midlands on Saturday. 

In total, Mat Sadler's men have collected three wins from four home games, after failing to win any of their last six of the regular campaign last term (excluding the play-offs). 

Joint-best defensive record in League Two

One of the key strengths, which have made Walsall such a difficult team to beat, are the strong defensive foundations which have been laid early on. 

The Saddlers boast the joint-best defensive record in the division - conceding just five - and have registered three shutouts in their last four. 

Aden Flint has been a major factor behind this, although the defensive performance from the collective has made them hard to break down. 

Goals remain at a premium for Walsall

The only issue, which is not extremely pressing when you're not conceding many goals, is the lack of goals at the other end. 

Walsall have netted just eight times in as many games in League Two and you'd have to go as low as 14th-place Oldham Athletic (five) to find a team who has found the net on fewer occasions. 

Daniel Kanu does at least offer promise as the Saddlers' talismanic figure after scoring in both of his last two outings. 

The Charlton Athletic loanee got off the mark with the match-winner against Chesterfield at Bescot and doubled his tally for the campaign in the 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town last Saturday. 

Aaron Pressley, who has scored just once in the league, has also expressed his desire to improve his record in front of goal. 

The towering Scotsman is a handful for any defence. He is proactive and any centre-back will know that they'll have their hands full whenever he is leading the line. 

That focal point is the perfect foil for Kanu to feed off, but if both can get their names among the goals, then Walsall could begin to partially replicate the goal-laden form witnessed in the first half of last season. 

Saddlers' midfield depth is a 'positive' headache for Mat Sadler

Even if they don't, the defensive foundations must remain the bedrock, and the balance Sadler has found in midfield will bring an endurance to the team, which is essential in his physically demanding system. 

The options in midfield seem endless: Charlie Lakin, Jamie Jellis, Ryan Finnigan, Lewis Warrington, Brandon Comley, Courtney Clarke, Jake Hollman and Ronan Maher. 

Add deadline day loan arrivals Rico Richards and Jid Okeke to that list and Sadler will have a tough job on his hands keeping everyone satisfied. 

That's his challenge but it's at least a positive dilemma to have. Games will be won and lost in midfield, and increasing that ability to outrun opposition in the centre of the park will be key. 

On the injury front, Priestley Farquharson and Jellis (both groin) are expected to be available and Lakin will be eligible again after his suspension. 

Mason Hancock (knee) and Harry Williams (Achilles) remain the only long-term absentees.