Walsall v Crewe Alex 24/25 Preview - They're Good Now?!

Nobody enjoys a bit of schadenfreude more than me. I'm always happy to see other teams losing and struggling. But in Walsall's case, I'll make an exception. Obviously aside from the 2 games the Alex play against them, I'm really pleased to see them doing well. They're a side that has been starved of success for far too long.

Their last top 6/7 finish in any league was way back in 2015-16. Their last promotion was back in 2006-07. There will be kids now in college that weren't even born the last time they got promoted. This team is long overdue a promotion run, so good for them. That being said, I hope the Alex put a dent in that run. Here is my preview of their trip to the Bescot, or whatever it's called these days:

A Good Team

However, it's going to be very difficult as Walsall seem to have assembled a really good group. They've done well in the transfer window, bringing in veteran Albert Adomah, but also hitting it out of the park with the signings of Connor Barrett, Charlie Lakin(who I wanted the Alex to sign), loanees Tommy Simkin and Nathan Lowe(who I also wanted the Alex to sign). They've complemented a group that finished 11th last season and they've kicked on in a big way, with them sitting 2nd in the table currently. They'll be a very tough team to get a result against.

Attack

Walsall's strength is in it's attack. They are scoring goals for fun, wracking up 26 in total already, making them the 2nd best attack in the division. It's fully deserved as well, as they sit top of the xG table with 27.2. The next closest to them is Doncaster with 23.7.

Nathan Lowe has been the star of their attack, but he's closely followed by the goals of James Jellis, Jamille Matt, Taylor Allen and Ryan Stirk amongst others. They have plenty of creativity in Barrett, Lowe and others as well. The Alex will be going from statistically the worst attack in the division in Tranmere to the best.

Defence

That being said, the Alex are a stingy group and don't give up many chances. Their xG against is 2nd best in the league at 10.9. They've conceded 6 goals in their last 11 games, including just 4 in their last 5 away from home. That includes tricky places to visit like Doncaster and Fleetwood.

Yes, this will easily be the Alex's biggest test as it'll be the highest team they've faced that wasn't a fraud, like Gillingham. Walsall look like the real deal and this will be a very stern examination of the Alex's promotion credentials.

Results

And whilst this will be a very tough game for the Alex, it's worth noting that their stingy away form keeps on bringing in points. They've already been to Doncaster and Fleetwood and emerged with 4 points as mentioned. Their away form since the beginning of last season in the league is 10-10-8, a very even balance. But it shows that they've been consistent in getting results on the road, bringing in a point or more in 20 games and only losing 8 times. That's unheard of from a Crewe team. They'll be a handful for Walsall if they keep playing the way they have been doing this season.

Bounce Back

I had something else written here, but after last week's events, I'll put something else. The Alex are coming off the back of a humiliating defeat at home to Dag & Red. Walsall are coming off a late win over L1 high flyers Bolton. Their feelings coming into this game couldn't be more different. The Alex will likely be tentative and Walsall full of confidence.

The Alex will need to weather the storm and look to rebuild themselves, with Walsall likely coming fast out the blocks to put them under pressure. But a big response from last week is badly needed.

Ref Watch

Stephen Parkinson

The Alex are getting the still pretty green but familiar ref that took charge of their defeat at home to Salford last season. Parkinson is still mostly a National League ref, but has done 5 EFL games to date. This will only be his third EFL game this season though.

2024/25 Record: 10 games(2 League Two, 1 FA Cup, 3 EFL Trophy, 4 National League), 45 yellows, 3 reds

Last Game: Maidenhead 1-2 Crawley Town, FA Cup, 9th November 2024, 5 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 0-0-1, 1 yellow

Injuries/Absences

Walsall

The Saddlers only have a couple for this game. CB Harry Williams suffered a blow to the face last week against Bolton and misses out due to being in concussion protocol. Fellow CB Priestley Farqharson and striker Josh Gordon are also out, but it seems midfielders Brendan Comley and Ryan Stirk are both fit. They are in pretty good condition, although they are a little light for CBs.

Crewe Alex

Jack Lankester seems to be inching closer to a return, which will be a welcome boost, but I doubt he'll make this game. Bell said the squad was in the same place, so I'm assuming Joel Tabiner's prompt withdrawal last week wasn't anything that will see him miss this game. Hemmings and Robinson remain out and there was no update on Fin Robert's absence, but aside from those 3 and Lankester, it looks like Bell will have a full squad to choose from.

Team

Some decisions regarding the team are much easier than others. So let's start there. Lewis Billington and James Connolly obviously drop out, with Ryan Cooney and Zac Williams coming back in.

Then you are once again asking what to do in midfield and attack. Personally, whilst I don't think Tabiner and Sanders had their best games last Saturday, I don't think Holicek or Breckin did enough to warrant a start. So the former 2 continue, as does Lunt who was one of the few to emerge with credit from that game.

In attack, you are left wondering if Bogle can give you a start, something you might have wanted to find out last week, but never mind. Thibaut works hard, but is struggling to carve out openings. Is there a case to start Bogle and ask him to give you an hour? We're into November and he's yet to start, which is what you signed him to do. So I'd put him in.

The bench is possibly more interesting than the starting XI. Powell and Long. Do they make it? You'd hope so, but if the squad from last week is healthy, who makes way? Agius is one, but who if you're bench is Booth, Powell, Long, Thibaut, Breckin and Holicek, that leaves only one space for Billington or Connolly. So which one misses out? Some tough calls for Bell to make.

Score Prediction

Even before last week's cupset, I didn't have this down as a game I expected a result from. Yes, we've seen them get results against other good teams, see Doncaster a few weeks ago. But Walsall are a decent side in great form, with good attackers, a solid midfield and a defence which doesn't give away many usually. I think the Alex come up just short.

Walsall 2-1 Crewe Alexandra