Walsall
Morecambe
Expect a tightly contested affair with both teams eager to start the season with a victory. Walsall's ability to convert their chances will be crucial, while Morecambe will need to be disciplined defensively to frustrate the home side.
Five of the seven competitive meetings between these sides have resulted in a win to nil and we expect the same outcome this weekend. Due to having a worse head to head record, we expect Morecambe to run out as 2-1 winners.
The new League Two season kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between Walsall and Morecambe, two sides with aspirations of challenging for the promotion places. Both clubs have undergone significant squad overhauls during the summer transfer window, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this opening day encounter.
Walsall, buoyed by a strong finish to the previous campaign, will be aiming to build on that momentum and push for a playoff spot. The Saddlers have shown ambition in the transfer market, bringing in experienced players to bolster their squad. A positive start at home is crucial to setting the tone for the season.
Mat Sadler is the man at the helm of Walsall as they embark on the new League Two season. A club legend who progressed through the youth ranks to captain the side, Sadler took over managerial duties in 2023. Morecambe, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from a mid-table finish last term.
The Shrimps have also strengthened their squad with key additions, and a successful opening day could provide a significant boost in confidence. Their ability to grind out results and defend resolutely will be crucial.
Derek Adams is the man at the helm of Morecambe as they embark on the new League Two season. A seasoned manager with a proven track record, Adams brings a wealth of experience to the Shrimps. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players, he will be looking to guide Morecambe to a successful campaign.
Walsall come into this match as heavy favourites and they are currently priced @ 4/6 to win, whilst an away win for Morecambe is priced @ 9/2 and a draw is currently priced @ 16/5.
We are backing Walsall to win 2-0 as they had a much more consistent season last time round and they will be buoyed on by their home support in the opening gameweek of the season.
Walsall endured a somewhat inconsistent 2023/24 League Two campaign, ultimately securing an 11th-place finish. The Saddlers showed glimpses of their potential throughout the season, but a lack of consistency prevented them from challenging for a higher position.
Their final five league games highlighted their struggles, with four defeats and just one victory. This poor run of form will be a concern for manager Mat Sadler as he looks to build on last season's performance and push for promotion this year.
Morecambe endured a challenging 2023/24 League Two campaign, ultimately securing a mid-table finish in 15th position. The Shrimps struggled for consistency throughout the season, failing to build any sustained momentum.
Their final five league games were particularly disappointing, as they managed to pick up just one point from a possible 15.
This poor run of form highlighted the team's defensive frailties and lack of attacking potency, areas that manager Derek Adams will be keen to address ahead of the new season.
Although pre-season can often be misleading, the respective pre-season’s of both of these sides may be a good indicator as to their performance on the opening day of the campaign.
Walsall have featured in six pre-season games, in which they have won 2, drawn 2 and lost two. The mix of opposition and rotation of players should leave the Saddlers with a high level of fitness ahead of this weekend's game.
Morecambe have also completed six pre-season friendlies of which they have drawn three, won two and lost one.
Walsall and Morecambe have a relatively limited history, having met only seven times in competitive fixtures. Despite the scarcity of encounters, Walsall has enjoyed a slight dominance, winning four of those meetings compared to Morecambe's two victories.
Walsall have made some astute business in the transfer window this summer. Notably, the signing of Albert Adomah from QPR should bring some attacking quality into the starting XI and some experience into the dressing room.
We expect that Adomah will slot into the right wing of the Walsall team. However, Issac Hutchinson will be a big miss for Walsall after he was sold to Bristol Rovers for £300,000.
Morecambe have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer market and they have made 16 additions to their squad, whilst 19 players have left the squad.
Notable additions to the squad include Ross Millen and George ray, both of whom we expect to slot into the Shrimps starting XI.
The game will be available to view on SkySports+
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