Walsall vs Crewe Prediction

With the excitement of last weekend's FA Cup action wearing off, we return to League Two action, where second placed Walsall face off in a difficult match against fifth placed Crewe Alexandra.

After contrasting results in English Premier cup competition Walsall will be looking to maintain their momentum after a last gasp win over Bolton, while Crewe will attempt to bounce back from a shock defeat to Dagenham and Redbridge.

Both sides harbour promotion hopes, and both will take the game to one another. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Crewe have gone undefeated in their last five games in the league, while Walsall are unbeaten in their last four.
• During this run, Crewe have scored six goals, while Walsall have been prolific, bagging 11.
• Walsall’s Nathan Lowe leads the charts for total goals and assists this season, with 9.
• Crewe’s total of 12 goals conceded is the third best defensive record in the division, with only Barrow (11) and Wimbledon (9) conceding fewer.

Walsall Preview

Walsall Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Tommy Simkin (GK); Taylor Allen, Harry Williams, David Okagbue; Liam Gordon, Charlie Lakin, Ryan Stirk, Jamie Jellis, Connor Barrett; Nathan Lowe, Jamille Matt.

On a five game unbeaten streak in all competitions, and coming through their FA Cup first round win over Bolton thanks to a stoppage time winner, Walsall fans and players alike are on a high right now.

They sit second in League Two in the final automatic promotion spot, and with a game in hand over leaders Port Vale, they would move to within one point of them with a win over Crewe.

Their game against Bolton was an eventful one, with both sides spurning chances and both goalkeepers keeping exceptionally busy. In the end, it was Jamie Jellis’ rifled drive in the 91st minute that carried them through to the third round, where even if they lose, they will earn £20 '000.

If that isn’t cause for celebration, I don’t know what is.

Crewe Alexandra Preview

Crewe Alexandra Predicted Lineup (5-3-2): Filip Marschall (GK); Max Conway, Zac Williams, mickey Demetriou, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Ryan Cooney; Joel Tabiner, Max Sanders, Owen Lunt; Shiloh Tracey, Adrien Thibaut.

While Crewe have been in impressive form recently, avoiding defeat in their last six fixtures in all comps, their goals tally leaves a lot to be desired. With seven in their last five league games, they only scored more than a single goal in a game once, in their 3-1 over Tranmere.

However, their strikers simply don’t need to fill their boots when their backline is in as good a run of form as it is. In those last five league games, they have conceded just three, and they haven’t conceded more than one in a game since September, when they lost 2-1 to Newport.

Now, having gone seven games without conceding multiple goals, Crewe will certainly hold a belief that they can shut out even the most prolific sides, of which Walsall are considered one. However, talking about it in theory is one thing, while putting it into action on the pitch is quite another.

Walsall vs Crewe Alexandra Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 26/12/2023: Walsall 2-0 Crewe.
• 19/08/2023: Crewe 2-2 Walsall.
• 15/04/2023: Crewe 2-0 Walsall.
• 21/02/2023: Walsall 0-0 Crewe.
• 01/02/2020: Walsall 1-3 Crewe.

Historical H2H - Walsall: 2. Drawn: 9. Crewe: 8.

Walsall vs Crewe Alexandra Betting Tip

With the two sides so close in the table, both will be looking at this game as a crucial one in the respective seasons, as a win for either side would really establish their place in the top five.

However, given their marginally better placing, and the fact they have home advantage here, we predict Walsall will come away from this one with three points.

Walsall vs Crewe Alexandra Final Prediction

Walsall 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

The only factor that will make a significant difference in the game is the contrasting goal scoring records of both sides. With Crewe’s less than desirable record in front of goal recently, they will be punished for their lack of creativity, and with Walsall in the prolific form they are in should be able to get over the line here.