Crewe Alexandra meet Walsall in a massive top of League Two clash in the first midweek round of the season.
Sat fifth and second respectively on seven points alongside three further clubs, victory can see either Crewe or Walsall go top if results elsewhere go in their favour.
Teams
Crewe have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 0-0 draw at Port Vale.
Walsall too have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 3-2 win over Accrington Stanley.
Alex Pattison (fitness), Roman Dixon (knock), Harry Williams (Achilles) and Stan Straw (groin) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Crewe Alexandra face Walsall at Gresty Road on Tuesday 1 September at 7:45pm BST, live on Sky Sports+ Red Button in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Crewe are winless in their last six league meetings against Walsall (D2, L4).
- Walsall (W2, D3, L2).
- Crewe have conceded five goals without reply in their last three meetings against Walsall (L3).
- Walsall haven’t achieved three consecutive away wins against Crewe since a four-match streak between December 1959 and October 1979.
- Crewe are yet to concede a league goal this season (W2, D1).
- Two of Walsall’s six league goals in their opening three matches were scored by Aaron Pressley.
Prediction
Although Crewe will of been disappointed to had not converted any of their three shots on target at Port Vale, they can take the positives in that they are still yet to concede a league goal this season and their immediate rivals too slipped up, so I am expecting a response from them here.
Walsall meanwhile certainly showed their defensive resilience to starve off a second-half comeback attempt from Accrington Stanley in a game where they were clinical from crosses, yet had moments when the defence’s marking switched off in a feisty attacking contest.
This game though is probably the biggest early test for both teams in terms of those anticipated to fight for promotion but Crewe do need to show more firepower, otherwise I can see Walsall edging this in what should be a great attacking encounter.
Prediction: Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Walsall