Walsall v Crawley preview
Last Updated: March 15, 2013 4:12pm
Josh Simpson: Out of Saddlers trip
Team news for Saturday's League One clash between Walsall and Crawley Town at the Banks's Stadium.
Walsall boss Dean Smith must decide whether to tinker with a winning formula as his side face a third game in the space of a week at home to Crawley.
Smith named an unchanged XI for the fourth successive match on Tuesday as the Saddlers brushed side fellow promotion rivals Tranmere 2-0, coming after their 2-2 draw at Swindon last weekend.
And, with no new injury or suspension problems expected, the only thing on Smith's mind may be whether to rotate one or two players in order to try and extend the midlands club's eight-match unbeaten record.
The likes of Nicky Featherstone, Ashley Hemmings, James Baxendale, George Bowerman, Ben Purkiss and Dean Holden are all options should Smith look to freshen things up.
Crawley are still without skipper Josh Simpson for the trip to Walsall.
The midfielder has yet to recover from the ankle injury he suffered shortly after scoring Town's goal in the 1-1 draw against Doncaster last month.
Defender Kyle McFadzean will also miss out again as he continues to build up his fitness following the virus which struck him down in November.
But boss Richie Barker has no new injury worries and was able to welcome back top scorer Billy Clarke (hamstring) in the 2-2 draw at Yeovil in midweek.
Clarke should start again alongside new signing Paul Hayes, who made his debut at Huish Park.
Midfielder Nicky Adams could return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench on Tuesday.
Matches
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npower League 1
Table
npower League 1
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doncaster Rovers | 46 | 84 |
| 2 | Bournemouth | 46 | 83 |
| 3 | Brentford | 46 | 79 |
| 4 | Yeovil Town | 46 | 77 |
| 5 | Sheffield United | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Swindon Town | 46 | 74 |
| 7 | Leyton Orient | 46 | 71 |
| 8 | Milton Keynes Dons | 46 | 70 |
| 9 | Walsall | 46 | 68 |
| 10 | Crawley Town | 46 | 68 |
| 11 | Tranmere Rovers | 46 | 67 |
| 12 | Notts County | 46 | 65 |
| 13 | Crewe Alexandra | 46 | 64 |
| 14 | Preston North End | 46 | 59 |
| 15 | Coventry City | 46 | 55 |
| 16 | Shrewsbury Town | 46 | 55 |
| 17 | Carlisle United | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Stevenage | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Oldham Athletic | 46 | 51 |
| 20 | Colchester United | 46 | 51 |
| 21 | Scunthorpe United | 46 | 48 |
| 22 | Bury | 46 | 41 |
| 23 | Hartlepool United | 46 | 41 |
| 24 | Portsmouth | 46 | 32 |
