The Saddlers entertain the Shakers…
Both clubs are searching for their first win since the opening day. The Saddlers, who are below Bury only on goal difference, will be desperate to avoid a third successive defeat in their final league fixture before the international break. David Flitcroft’s men, meanwhile, will also be eager to get back on track after losing 1-0 to local rivals Oldham last weekend. The Shakers have proved Walsall’s bogey side over the years; it is two decades since the Saddlers beat Bury on home soil, although Walsall did come out on top when the sides met in January, winning 3-2 at Gigg Lane.
Walsall: 17th – P4 W1 D1 L2 F4 A5 PTS4
Bury: 14th – P4 W1 D1 L2 F3 A3 PTS4
20th August – Walsall 1-2 Charlton – League One
Kieron Morris’ first goal of the season was not enough to prevent Walsall from slipping to a narrow defeat. Nicky Ajose gave Charlton a first-half lead before Morris drilled the Saddlers level, only for a 74th-minute Ajose tap-in to seal victory for the Addicks.
20th August – Bury 0-1 Oldham – League One
Leon Barnett’s early own goal condemned Bury to a derby defeat against Oldham. Lee Erwin also rattled a post for the Latics, while Nicky Clark missed the hosts’ best chance late on.
Walsall wins: 18
Bury wins: 23
Draws: 12
16th January 2016 – Bury 2-3 Walsall - League One
Walsall climbed up to second in League One after holding off a spirited Bury fightback to win at a frosty Gigg Lane. The Saddlers led 3-0 at the break, courtesy of Chris Hussey’s own goal, Tom Bradshaw’s composed finish and Anthony Forde’s solo effort. Leon Clarke's quick-fire second-half double gave Bury hope but Walsall stood firm to secure an eighth away win of the campaign.
Bury Manager: David Flitcroft
The 42-year-old Boltonian is into his third full season as Shakers boss. He led Bury to promotion back to League One in 2014/15, which was followed by a 16th-place finish last term. Flitcroft, who actually played for the Shakers between 2004 and 2006, has also managed Barnsley, whom he guided to Championship survival in 2012/13.
Bury Star Man: Danny Mayor
A highly-rated winger who excelled as Bury won promotion from League Two in 2014/15, being named the division’s Player of the Year. The 25-year-old has made over a century of appearances for the Greater Manchester club since arriving from Sheffield Wednesday in May 2014 following a successful loan spell.
Captain Adam Chambers (hamstring) will be assessed. Rico Henry is expected to miss out through a shoulder injury. New signing Kevin Toner is available.
Sebastian Stockbridge
The experienced referee has brandished 24 yellow cards and one red in the five matches he has officiated so far this season. Stockbridge, who is based in Tyne and Wear, took charge of two Walsall matches last term: our 4-4 draw at Colchester; and the 2-0 JPT defeat against Morecambe.
If you are not attending the game, make sure you tune into Saddlers Player HD for full uninterrupted commentary at www.player.saddlers.co.uk.
Pre-match build-up, live in-game coverage and post-match reaction will be available on our official Twitter, Facebook, Vine, Snapchat and Instagram accounts.