Walsall vs Crewe Alexandra: George Bennett's predicted XI

The Saddlers have emerged with five wins from six games on home soil in League Two so far and sit just four points adrift of league leaders Port Vale with a game in hand.

Opponents Crewe have collected seven wins from their last 10 league games (drawing twice, losing once) and trail Walsall by three places and two points. 

Mat Sadler has named an unchanged XI for the past three league matches on the spin but Harry Williams' absence due to concussion means that changes will need to be made on the weekend. 

Here's how George Bennett thinks the Walsall boss could line-up on Saturday. 

(3-1-4-2)

Tommy Simkin 

The teenager has recovered well from shipping nine goals in three games either side of the international break. 

He registered his first clean sheet in five games in the goalless draw at Accrington Stanley and played an instrumental role in both goals in the 2-1 cup win over Bolton Wanderers including an assist for Liam Gordon's vital equaliser. 

Oisin McEntee 

McEntee has not featured since suffering a calf injury on August 31 but Harry Williams' absence creates the possibility of a potential recall. 

The Irishman started on the right side of the back-three prior to his injury setback and will need to seize his chance if Sadler does to decide to restore him to the first XI. 

David Okagbue 

Donervon Daniels slotted into the centre of the back-line for the closing stages against Bolton following Williams' nasty collision and Sadler could easily bring his club captain back into the fold as a straight swap. 

However, Okagbue shone in the centre of the back-line with Emmanuel Adegboyega and Taylor Allen either side of him last season and has previously stated that his preferred position is in the centre of a three-man defence. 

Taylor Allen 

The Cannock-born defender has started every league game since his mid-February introduction in the 2-1 win over Mansfield Town and remains the only Walsall player to play every single minute in League Two. 

Ryan Stirk 

Stirk is expected to be available again after being forced off on the half-hour mark against Bolton due to illness. 

The midfielder has started every game in the league for Walsall this term and has trained with the squad everyday this week. 

Connor Barrett 

Barrett is an automatic pick on current form. The wing-back has seven assists in all competitions and has been a crucial creative force down the right. 

Jamie Jellis 

The former Tamworth midfielder has found another level entirely of late. After a bright start to his first full season in the EFL, Jellis has scored three goals in his last four games to extend his season tally to five in all competitions. 

Charlie Lakin 

Jack Earing was given the nod in the cup and impressed against his former club but Lakin also produced a strong performance following his first half introduction. 

Lakin has started all but one of Walsall's first 13 league games which suggests he's likely to return but Sadler is spoilt for choice in the midfield area. 

Liam Gordon 

The Guyana international got off the mark for the season on the goal scoring front with a crucial leveller against his former club Bolton last week. 

Nathan Lowe 

If the Stoke City loanee isn't scoring goals then he's creating them instead. The 19-year-old laid on an assist for Jellis' dramatic stoppage time winner over Bolton to reach 12 direct goal involvements in Walsall colours (eight goals, four assists). 

Jamille Matt 

The experienced frontman only played the final six minutes last weekend and will be fresh for the visit of Crewe. 

Vice-captain Matt has been in prime goal scoring form of late - scoring three goals in his last five league outings.