Looking to bolster their League Two title charge, Walsall will travel to take on Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road on Tuesday.
The Robins have been in strong form in the league lately and have promotion ambitions of their own, but a clash against the Saddlers will be a stern test.
Match preview
© Imago
Michael Flynn's Cheltenham have won back-to-back games for the first time since December ahead of their midweek showdown with the league leaders, and are now 11th in the table, eight points behind Crewe Alexandra in the playoff spots.
Last time out, the Robins put in a dominant performance and ran out 3-0 winners on the road to an in-form Newport County, who had been on a six-game unbeaten streak.
At home, Tuesday's hosts have been exceptional for months, and given that they have won seven of their last eight matches at Whaddon Road and lost just once on their own turf since mid-October, they will feel confident of earning a positive result regardless of their opposition.
Additionally, Flynn's side may have conceded 43 goals this term, but they have kept three clean sheets in their last five league games, and their improved defence will be vital if they are to secure a victory in midweek.
In the reverse fixture, Cheltenham were beaten 2-1 at Bescot Stadium back in August, but considering their form and the fact that Walsall have stumbled at the start of 2025, the Robins will be thinking about how a win could take them above Bromley and leave them just five points from the playoffs.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Mat Sadler's Walsall have got themselves back on track with two wins and a draw in their three most recent matches, but their lead at the top of the table has shrunk to just eight points in the opening weeks of 2025.
On Saturday, the Saddlers followed up a 3-1 win over Chesterfield by taking all three points in a 2-0 victory on the road against relegation-threatened Morecambe, though they did score both of their goals after Liverpool-loanee Rhys Williams was sent off for the Fishermen.
Tuesday's visitors may have won at the weekend, but it is notable that they had lost their four previous away games across all competitions, and it remains to be seen whether their triumph was a one-off or a true return to form, especially given that they faced 10 men for over 40 minutes.
It should also be highlighted that Walsall kept their first clean sheet of 2025 against Morecambe, a statistic that is shocking considering their status as title favourites, and they will need to produce a strong defensive performance if they are to walk away with an important three points against in-form Cheltenham.
Team News
© Imago
Unfortunately for Cheltenham, left-winger Ethan Williams was taken off with an injury after registering a goal and assist last time out.
In his absence, expect midfielder Liam Kinsella to join the lineup on Tuesday, and he could form a trio with Darragh Power and Luke Young in the centre of the park.
Further back, boss Flynn should select Sam Stubbs and Tom Bradbury at the heart of defence in midweek, and the pair will need to continue their fine defensive form against the league leaders if they are to take anything from the match.
As for Walsall, midfielder Jamie Jellis, who sealed Saturday's victory with a late goal, will start alongside Ryan Stirk and Brandon Comley against the Robins, flanked by Connor Barrett and Liam Gordon.
Looking to breach their hosts' improved defence will be the strike partnership of Jamille Matt and Ellis Harrison, while the weekend's other goalscorer, Taylor Allen, will be trying to keep the opposition out at the back.
Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Day; Jude-Boyd, Stubbs, Bradbury, Adedokun; Power, Young, Kinsella; Hay, Archer, Taylor
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; McEntee, Okagbue, Allen; Barrett, Comley, Stirk, Jellis, Gordon; Matt, Harrison
We say: Cheltenham Town 2-1 Walsall
Cheltenham have been in strong form in recent weeks, but Walsall have been getting back to the winning ways that saw them climb to the top of the table, so expect a close-fought clash.
That being said, the Robins' record at Whaddon Road has been exceptional this season, and the hosts will be confident of making it five home wins on the bounce on Tuesday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
