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Match Previews

OPPOSITION GUIDE: WALSALL

26 February 2021

Match Previews

OPPOSITION GUIDE: WALSALL

26 February 2021

The Bantams look to make it four-straight wins in Sky Bet League Two - when travelling to the Banks’s Stadium to face Walsall (3.00pm).

The Saddlers parted company with Darrell Clarke on February 15, with Brian Dutton stepping into the head coach role. 

Since coming in, Dutton has overseen three matches, losing two and drawing one.

We have created this Opposition Guide to take you through everything you need to know about Saturday’s hosts.

TRANSFER ACTIVITY

Walsall made five new additions to their squad in January, with six players departing the club.

INS: Jayden Reid (Birmingham City, loan), Frank Vincent (AFC Bournemouth, loan), Derick Osei Yaw (Oxford United, loan), Tyreik Wright (Aston Villa, loan), Max Melbourne (Lincoln City, loan).

OUTS: Zak Jules (Milton Keynes Dons), Elijah Adebayo (Luton Town), Danny Guthrie (released), George Nurse (Bristol City, recalled from loan), Jake Scrimshaw (AFC Bournemouth, recalled from loan), Adan George (Birmingham City, recalled from loan). 

ONES TO WATCH

Caolan Lavery

Born in Canada, striker Caolan Lavery is a graduate of the Sheffield Wednesday academy - making 34 senior appearances - over four years - the Owls.

Since making his professional debut in 2012, the 28-year-old striker has turned out for eight other clubs, including Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Rotherham United. 

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international joined Walsall in 2019, contributing to 25 goals in his 64 outings for the Saddlers.

Josh Gordon

After a successful spell with Stafford Rangers in the 2016/17 season - scoring 11 times in 18 appearances, Gordon earned a move to Premier League side Leicester City.

The striker failed to make a first-team appearance with the Foxes, and subsequently joined Walsall in 2018 - featuring 105 times for the club, scoring 26.

Liam Kinsella

Kinsella is a product of the Walsall academy and made his professional debut for the club against the Bantams in August 2014. He was named man of the match as the two teams drew 0-0.

The Colchester-born midfielder has since made 160 appearances for the Saddlers, scoring three times. He has enjoyed playing at international level for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

THE CAPTAIN

Defender James Clarke signed for the Midlands-based outfit at the beginning of the 2019/20 season - alongside former manager Darrell Clarke - from Bristol Rovers.

During his 14-year playing career, he has made over 400 appearances for the likes of Oxford United, Oxford City, Salisbury City and Woking.

Born in Berlin, the 31-year-old has made 52 appearances for Walsall, scoring on three occasions.

THE MANAGER

Brian Dutton was appointed head coach of Walsall earlier this month, taking over from Darrell Clarke who departed for Port Vale. Dutton’s first match in charge ended in defeat at the hands of Cheltenham Town, losing 2-1.

The 35-year-old acted as Clarke’s assistant manager whilst at Bristol Rovers and the Saddlers.

His playing career saw him represent the likes of Cambridge United, Weymouth, Mangotsfield Town, Harrogate Town, Havant & Waterlooville.

LAST TIME OUT

Joss Labadie’s 71st-minute header was enough to see Newport County claim all three points at the Banks’s Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Walsall 0

Newport County 1 (Labadie 71’)

Sky Bet League Two

Wednesday February 24

Walsall: Roberts, White (Osei Yaw 79'), Scarr, Sadler, Norman, Bates, Vincent (Sinclair 72'), Melbourne, Gordon, Lavery, Osadebe (McDonald 61').


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