The Saddlers travel down the M5, to the EV Charger Points Stadium, to play Cheltenham Town….
The Opposition
Cheltenham Town had a mediocre last season spending most of it near the bottom but then picking up a little. They finished the season mid-table, in 15th place. So far it’s looking like it will be similar this season.
The Proposition
An early 12:30pm kick off due to the match being selected by Sky.
The Saddlers look to bounce back from a home defeat against Barrow. Walsall are now without a win in 3 (2 League/1 EFL Trophy).
Despite greater possession, more corners and more shots on target, they failed to beat Barrow who were down to 10 men for over half an hour, but hung on to win 2-1. Dan Kanu getting the consolation for the Saddlers, looking lively and giving Walsall fans hope he can add to his goal tally throughout the season.
Cheltenham are currently 22nd in the table, although unbeaten in their last 3 games (2 wins/1 draw) after starting the season with only 1 win and 1 draw in the first 10. They had a 2-0 win last time out but this was against rock bottom Newport County. Unfortunately these are games that in recent seasons the Saddlers have struggled against teams in the lower half of the table.
The First Time
The first meeting between the sides was in the LDV Vans Trophy on the 2nd November 2004, which resulted in a 2-2 away draw.
The Worst Time
On 21st November 2020, the Saddlers lost 3-0 away in a League Two game.
The Last Time
The Saddlers last meeting with Cheltenham was in League Two on 25th February 2025 and was a 2-2 away draw.
Played for both
Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo currently plays as a striker for Luton Town. Starting his career at Fulham in 2016, although didn’t start a game. Instead he was loaned to Slough Town, Bognor Regis Town, Cheltenham Town, Swindon Town and Stevenage over the following 3 years before being released and signed by The Saddlers. After 2 years with Walsall he was sold to Luton where he has stayed for the last 4 years.
Cheltenham Town (loan)
After extending his Fulham contract by 18 months, Adebayo moved on loan to League Two side Cheltenham Town in January 2018. Adebayo scored twice in 7 appearances before his loan ended.
Walsall
Following his release from Fulham, Adebayo signed for Walsall in June 2019. He finished his debut Walsall season with 8 goals in 37 appearances. The season was ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adebayo extended his contract by one year in June 2020. In January 2021, following rumours that Scottish side Heart of Midlothian had agreed terms with Adebayo, Walsall released a statement denying the claims. On 1 February 2021, Adebayo signed for Championship side Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.
Also:
Liam Kinsella, George Miller, Owen Evans, Brett Angell, Isaac Hutchinson… former Walsall managers Darrell Clarke and Michael Flynn both went on to manage Cheltenham.
Comment if you know any more!!!
Lump On
With the disappointing loss against Barrow and Cheltenhams recent pickup in form, there doesn’t seem to be much to lump on…. But this is Walsall and we’ll probably go and win 4-2 now out of the blue. So lump on 4-2!!!
Lump Off
Cheltenham are unbeaten in their last 3 games (2 wins, 1 draw) despite starting the season poorly and hovering just above the relegation zone. Our overall record against them is slightly in their favour at W4/D4/L5.
Goal Tally (sponsored by Owly McOwlface)
Aaron Pressley - 4
Daniel Kanu - 4
Connor Barrett - 3
Evan Weir - 3
Albert Adomah - 3
Harrison Burke - 1
Charlie Lakin - 1
Ryan Finnigan - 1
Jid Okeke - 1
Aden Flint - 1
UTS Match Poll
- Walsall Win
- Draw
- Cheltenham Win
Perhaps you could advise this old chap what sort of protective clothing I should wear to avoid all these common chanters.