- Walsall FC are fourth in League Two with 74 points from 44 matches.
- Accrington Stanley are 21st in League Two on 47 points from 44 matches.
- Walsall are unbeaten in their last two League Two clashes with Accrington (W1, D1).
Walsall FC are the clear favorites at -175 for Saturday’s game against Accrington Stanley, which is understandable given the hosts are much the higher placed team and have a strong home record in League Two. Mat Sadler’s side have failed to win in their last two at Bescot Stadium, but consecutive draws in their last two overall have put some pressure on their automatic promotion bid as we approach the final stretch of the season. The Saddlers have won 12, drawn six and lost only four of their 22 home league games this term, so they should be able to overcome Stanley, who have lost 13, drawn three and won six of their 22 away matches in the fourth tier.
The last meeting between these two clubs was a 0-0 draw at Accrington’s ground five months ago, but Stanley have been a different proposition since John Doolan took charge in February 2024. The visitors have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five in the league and will try to get under the Saddlers’ skin with some physical play. Stanley are not afraid of getting into a battle with opponents. Accrington drew 3-3 with Tranmere Rovers, beat Salford City 2-1 away and then were held 1-1 by Carlisle United in their last three league games. They have scored only 23 goals in 22 away games this season.
Walsall are unbeaten in their last two against Accrington, and the visitors will be a different proposition this weekend. Sadler’s side like to play the same system every week and build up partnerships that can unlock teams with some clever play. They are more likely to overwhelm teams with their attacking play, but a couple of injuries have disrupted their rhythm in the last couple of games. Taylor Allen has kept the goals flowing with two of Walsall’s last five goals, but star striker Nathan Lowe, who has scored 15 goals in 22 League Two appearances, will be a big miss if he is not passed fit. Stanley’s leading scorer is Shaun Whalley, who has nine goals in 32 appearances, and the Lancashire club have relied on him to bail them out of trouble all season. Ben Woods has been in great form for Stanley, however, and has scored three of their last seven League Two goals. Backing over 2.5 goals looks a good option here, given Walsall average 2.09 goals per home game this term, scoring 46 in total. Walsall have failed to win their last five League Two games (D3, L2) and Accrington have one win and one defeat in their last two away games, so the Saddlers are likely to just edge this one out with the long shots likely to make a tough battle of it.
