Short for time the last week, so trimmed down the preview. We play these in the League anyway so can do a longer one then. 
The Saddlers travel 40 miles up the M54 to the Croud Meadow, to play the Sloppies.
The Opposition
After a disastrous last season the Sloppies find themselves in the basement division with us again, but first we play them in this cup competition.
The Proposition
Shrewsbury find themselves in the relegation zone of the League on 2 points with the Saddlers returning to their form of the beginning of last season, currently sitting in the play-off positions.
With the transfer window deadline just yesterday, both teams brought in loan players from League One.
Salop signed Bradley Ihionvien on a season-long loan deal from Peterborough United.
Whilst the Saddlers signed Jid Okeke from Stockport County and Rico Richards from Port Vale, both on season long loans.
The First Time
The first meeting between the sides, was in the FA Cup on the 17th November 1945, which resulted in a 5-0 away loss for the Saddlers.
The Worst Time
That first meeting above, was also our worst result against them. 
The Last Time
Our last meeting against Salop was also in the EFL Trophy, 10 months ago, when we won 3-0 at Bescot.
Played for both
Everyone’s favourite manager… 
Mathew Sadler is head coach of Walsall.
He played as a left-footed defender, capable of playing either at full-back or as a centre-back.
Sadler played in the Premier League and the Football League for Birmingham City. He spent most of his career in the Football League, for Northampton Town, Watford, Stockport County, Shrewsbury Town, Walsall, Crawley Town, Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic.
Also:
Mal Benning, Geoff Morris, Tom Bradshaw, Willie Naughton, Craig McGillivray, Mark Taylor, Wayne Thomas, George Andrews, John Price, Alan Boswell, Dave Roberts, Haydn Price…
Comment below if you know anyone else.. 
Lump On
Our overall record against them is overwhelmingly in our favour, (W44/D29/L26)
Lump Off
The last time we beat them at their place was in 2017. Since then we’ve played 4 times in Shrewsbury, losing 2 and drawing 2.
Goal Tally (sponsored by Owly McOwlface)
Connor Barrett - 2
Evan Weir - 1
Aaron Pressley - 1
Harrison Burke - 1
Charlie Lakin - 1
UTS Match Poll
- Walsall Win
- Draw
- Shrewsbury Win
