Newport County take on Walsall this Saturday (21 March) at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium which will be Matchday 39 for The Exiles.
Walsall currently sit in 10th place as they try to chase a playoff spot.
Here’s everything you need to know about our opponents.
The History
Walsall were first formed under the name Walsall Town Swifts in 1888 when Walsall Town and Walsall Swifts combined to make one team.
The Sadlers first entered the football league in 1892 and were also one of the founding members of the new Second Division.
In 1896 the club once again changed their name to Walsall and a year later found their way back to the Second Division.
Walsall would go on and have one of the greatest FA Cup upsets in history as in 1933 they defeated Arsenal 2-0 who at the time were the best team in the country.
After the Second World War, Walsall would become founding members of another division, the Fourth Division after a reorganisation of the Football League.
As of recent, the club has almost seen Wembley success narrowly missing out after losing to Bristol Rovers 2-0 in the Football League Cup trophy final
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The Form
The Saddlers currently sit in 10th place and sit only three points outside of a playoff position after having a strong first half of the season.
Walsall only lost two of their first ten games in the league as they only missed out by one goal against Gillingham and Grimsby.
Although as of recent their form has dipped as they have only won one of their last five matches with three of the five being losses.
In the FA Cup The Saddlers made it to the third round after beating Eastleigh and Gateshead comfortably until losing to Norwich.
Walsall couldn’t make it past the first round of the EFL Trophy after just missing out against Stoke after losing 4-3 on penalties.
The Manager
Darren Byfield is the current interim manager for Walsall after the recent sacking of Mat Sadler.
Byfield kickstarted his managerial career at Redditch United whilst also featuring in six league matches for the club.
The Jamaican has also had short managerial stints at Stratford Town, Walsall Wood, Alvechurch and an interim position at Crawley Town.
During his first two games in charge of The Saddlers, he led the team to a 3-0 victory against Crewe as well as a 0-0 draw to Cambridge United.
The Captain
The official club captain for Walsall this season is former County man Jamille Matt.
Matt has currently played 26 games in League Two this season in which he has scored twice as well as grabbing two assists.
It is currently his fourth season at the club and has featured in 140 games, scoring 23 goals.
The forward has spent a fair amount of time at multiple clubs which include Kidderminster Harriers, Fleetwood Town, Blackpool, Grimsby, Newport and Forest Green.
Ones To Watch
The Sadlers current top scorer this season is Daniel Kanu.
Kanu has 13 goals in League Two this season and has been vital to Walsall’s frontline.
The striker has also got two assists and is always a handful for defenders.
Evan Weir is another player that is an integral part to Walsall’s backline
The defender is The Saddlers highest performer this season, starting in every game he has been available for.
Although being a defender, Weir has also contributed on the other side of the pitch having three goals and three assists this League Two campaign.