EFL Trophy: Walsall vs Reading - George Bennett's predicted XI

(3-1-4-2)

Sam Hornby 

Back-up goalkeeper Hornby played in every group game earlier in the competition and is likely to retain his place. 

He emerged as the hero in the shootout at Birmingham, saved a late penalty in the 1-0 win over Fulham under-21s and made a series of stops in the 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury. 

Oisin McEntee 

Okagbue has been an ever-present in the back-line for Walsall in the league but Sadler may be tempted to rotate with a congested festive fixture scheduled ahead. 

McEntee has struggled for minutes since suffering a calf injury in August and has made his only two appearances since in cup competitions. 

Donervon Daniels 

Club captain Daniels had a short spell in the team after Harry Williams suffered concussion but has dropped to the bench for the past two league games. 

Williams has emerged as the preferred choice in the centre of the back-three and Sadler will be wanting to keep him fresh for the festive fixtures. 

Evan Weir 

Weir has played just 45 minutes for Walsall in the league during his debut campaign at the club but has played every minute in the EFL Trophy. 

Allen has not missed a single minute in the league but Weir could slot into the back-line to give him a well deserved break. 

Ryan Stirk 

Stirk has been an ever-present under Sadler and is set to remain in the six role with Brandon Comley side lined with a fractured cheekbone.

Connor Barrett 

Barrett was rested for the final group game against Shrewsbury but started in both of the first two games. 

Jack Earing 

George Hall has impressed on his three successive starts while Jamie Jellis remains absent due to a calf injury. 

Sadler will be mindful of not overloading Hall due to his injury issues over the past 18 months and that could present Earing with a rare start. 

Charlie Lakin 

Lakin has been an unsung hero in Walsall's early season success. The midfielder has been a reliable force especially with his work ethic on the ball and will likely retain his place. 

Liam Gordon 

Gordon is yet to feature in the EFL Trophy this term. He missed the opening two games due to a calf injury and was on international duty with Guyana for the final group match against Shrewsbury. 

However, the wing-back is in a rich vein of form with two goals in his last six games across all competitions. 

Danny Johnson

Keeping Nathan Lowe fresh for Christmas will be key and resting him will provide Johnson with a chance to stake a claim. 

Johnson has started in the last two matches in the EFL Trophy - scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Fulham under-21s in September. 

Albert Adomah

Adomah played at centre-forward in all three EFL Cup games and both matches in the FA Cup. The former Ghana international is likely to figure after having to settle for minutes from the bench in the league.