Walsall v Hartlepool
soccernet preview:
Walsall boss Paul Merson may consider bringing goalkeeper Andy Oakes back into the squad to face Hartlepool on Saturday.
Oakes, who has not featured in the first team since undergoing an operation on his hand in September, completed 90 minutes of a reserve-team fixture against Sheffield Wednesday this week - pulling off some fine saves in the process.
On-loan Sunderland goaleeper Joe Murphy has done a solid job in place of Oakes, but Merson could opt for the more experienced player.
On-loan Preston midfielder Eric Skora is likely to miss out again with a knee injury, while Darren Wrack is still sidelined with a broken shin.
Hartlepool manager Martin Scott welcomes midfield duo Thomas Butler and Mark Tinkler back into contention for his side.
Both missed last week's home win over Bournemouth with respective groin and knee cartilage problems, but are available for selection.
Michael Proctor must serve a one-match ban after accumulating five yellow cards, while on-loan Ipswich striker Dean McDonald plays his final game for Pools before returning to Portman Road.
Meanwhile, Hugh Robertson made his first appearance of the season against the Cherries following his persistent thigh problems and should retain his place in the starting line-up.
The Bescot clash comes too soon for Matty Robson, despite the midfielder returning to full training after recovering from an ankle complaint.
Strike trio Joel Porter, Adam Boyd and James Brown (all knee) remain sidelined.
Skora will be a miss & I believe hes out until the end of his loan spell so may have played his last game anyway. He made a decent impression but its not as important as it was with Osbourne & Kinsella both fit again.
Walsall's home record 5-3-2-17-14 & the last 5 at home 3-2-0-7-2. Theyve won 6 of their last 10 in all competitions & had an encouraging away draw at Forest last week.
Hartlepool have a better away record than home 5-1-4-10-11 & their last 5 away is 3-0-2-4-4. They beat Bournemouth last time & their away victorys have been Bradford, Port Vale, Bristol City, Blackpool & Doncaster. Out of those Bradford are dodgy at home & are midway & donny had a rough start to the season when the game was played, & the others are in the bottom half.
Walsall at home to be too strong @ 11/10
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