Putting an end to their losing streak and edging closer to the playoff zone will be the major objective for Walsall when they welcome Swindon Town to Bescot Stadium on Tuesday for a rescheduled gameweek 40 match in League Two.
The Saddlers are three points off the final playoff spot and have lost their last two matches, while the Robins have nothing to play for as they are already guaranteed another season in League Two.
Match preview
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Walsall cling to their playoff hopes, sitting in 11th place with 62 points from 43 games, trailing seventh-placed Crawley, the current occupiers of the final playoff spot, by just three points.
However, their form has stuttered recently after back-to-back wins over Salford City and Tranmere Rovers. They fell to fellow playoff contenders Doncaster Rovers (2-1) and Notts County (3-1) – a game where Brandon Comley was sent off in the 59th minute.
Manager Mat Sadler had a crucial three-game homestand to navigate in his side's pursuit of the playoffs. However, losing the first one against Notts County puts pressure on them to deliver positive results in the remaining two home fixtures.
Bescot Stadium has been a fortress for Walsall this season, with 39 points secured there. Nevertheless, they have only won one of their last four home games against Swindon.
Swindon Town, on the other hand, are on a roll. After ending a four-game winless run with a victory over Notts County, they have claimed wins in three of their last four matches, including consecutive victories against Barrow and Wimbledon.
Their 3-2 win over Wimbledon on Saturday was a dramatic affair. Joe Lewis put the Dons ahead early, but Swindon responded through Aaron Drinan in the second half. Dawson Devoy's brace gave the Robins a two-goal cushion, but Lewis pulled a goal back to complete his own brace and set up a tense finish. Swindon saw Udoka Godwin-Malife red-carded in the 91st minute but held on for the victory.
Sitting 19th with 53 points after 43 matches, Swindon are comfortably clear of relegation (11 points) with three games remaining.
The win over Barrow also ended an eight-match winless run on the road, but they have the league's worst away record (16 points from 21 games) and will be hoping for back to back away victories for the first time this season.
Team News
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Comley is suspended and unavailable for selection after his red card in the loss to Notts County, leaving room for Ross Tierney to come into the XI.
Jamille Matt has scored five league goals this term and is expected to feature in attack, alongside Josh Gordon.
Isaac Hutchinson has scored 11 times from central midfield this season, making him one to put an eye on on Tuesday.
Godwin-Malife is suspended for the visitors as he was dismissed last time out, which means Tom Brewitt could come into the XI to join Conor McCarthy and Frazer Blake-Tracy in a three-man defence.
Twenty-eight-year-old Saidou Khan is still nursing a muscle problem which has seen him fail to play any part for the visitors since early March.
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Smith; Adegboyega, Okagbue, Allen; Foulkes, Stirk, Hutchinson, Tierney, L. Gordon; J. Gordon, Matt
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Bycroft; Brewitt, McCarthy, Blake-Tracey; Ofoborh; Kokolo, Elbouzedi, Cain, McEachran; Glatzel, Drinan
We say: Walsall 1-0 Swindon Town
Walsall need points for playoffs but are shaky at home recently. Swindon are in good form but terrible away. The hosts' home record might hold, earning them a narrow victory.
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