WALSALL V NORTHAMPTON: MATCH PREVIEW

The Saddlers will be targeting a third straight home win...

The Saddlers are unbeaten in four heading into tomorrow’s match having made an encouraging start to the new year. Jon Whitney’s side have fared well at the Banks’s of late, recording emphatic victories over Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers, and will be targeting a third straight home win this weekend. Northampton ended a run of five consecutive defeats with a much-needed 3-0 victory over Coventry last time out – their first win under new boss Justin Edinburgh. The Cobblers romped to the League Two title last season but have struggled after a bright start, losing ten of their last 13 games - including three in a row away from home. The Saddlers ran out 3-1 winners on Northampton’s last visit here in November 2008; Chris Palmer, Anthony Gerrard and Troy Deeney scored our goals, with Leon Constantine netting a consolation.

Walsall: 12th – P29 W9 D12 L8 F36 A38 PTS39

Northampton: 16th – P29 W9 D6 L14 F42 A48 PTS33

1st February – Millwall 0-0 Walsall – League One

Chances were at a premium as we extended our unbeaten run to four matches with a goalless draw at Millwall. Lee Gregory and Steve Morison had the Lions’ best chances, while Florent Cuvelier went closest for the Saddlers with a long-range strike.

28th January – Northampton 3-0 Coventry – League One

Keshi Anderson's second-half hat-trick earned Northampton a comfortable win over bottom club Coventry. The Sky Blues were reduced to ten men on 19 minutes when Jordan Willis was shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge. And the Cobblers took full advantage, with Anderson netting three times in 23 second-half minutes to earn Justin Edinburgh his first win since taking charge.

Walsall wins: 31

Northampton wins: 31

Draws: 15

10th September 2016 – Northampton 2-0 Walsall – League One

A Matt Taylor header and an Alex Revell penalty earned unbeaten Northampton victory and condemned Walsall to a third defeat in four League One matches. Amadou Bakayoko and Scott Laird had the Saddlers’ best chances in the first half.

Northampton Manager: Justin Edinburgh

The former Gillingham boss was appointed Northampton manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract in January, replacing Rob Page. The 47-year-old spent two years in charge of the Gills, guiding them to ninth in his only full season, and led Newport to promotion back to the Football League in 2013. He started his managerial career in non-league with Billericay, Fisher Athletic, Grays Athletic and Rushden & Diamonds.

Northampton Star Man: Keshi Anderson

Crystal Palace loanee who marked his full Cobblers debut with a second-half hat-trick in last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Coventry. The 21-year-old scored one goal in ten loan appearances for Bolton earlier this campaign and was actually sent off in the Trotters’ 1-0 defeat here in September. The Luton-born striker will remain at Northampton until the end of the season.

The Saddlers have no injury concerns.

Robert Jones

Based in Merseyside, Jones took charge of the Saddlers’ 2-0 EFL Cup first-round defeat to Yeovil back in August. He has brandished 91 yellow cards and three red in the 29 games he has officiated this season, also awarding 12 penalties.

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, Snapchat and Instagram accounts.

Match Previews