EFL Trophy: Walsall vs Reading - match preview

Walsall progressed as group winners after leapfrogging Birmingham City with a 3-0 victory over local rivals Shrewsbury Town last month. 

The Saddlers opened their EFL Trophy campaign with a 1-1 draw at Birmingham and gained an extra point with a shoot-out success before beating Fulham under-21s 1-0 at Bescot. 

As a result, Walsall booked their place in the knockout stages for the first time since 2021 and Sadler is determined to continue their journey in the competition.

He said: "Loads to think about. We've got to put a team out there that we want to win the game. 

"That's the most important thing because we want to move forward in that competition. 

"There are some amazing memories to be had in that competition. I've had some myself and I want some more in that competition." 

Walsall were condemned to a 4-0 defeat by Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup second round but had previously gone five games without defeat against League One opposition this term. 

They dumped Exeter City and Huddersfield Town out of the EFL Cup to reach the third round for the first time since 2015 and also beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in the FA Cup first round. 

Reading occupy the final play-off spot in League Two but were rocked by the departure of manager Ruben Selles to Championship side Hull City last week. 

Former striker Noel Hunt has been appointed as manager and helped extend their unbeaten run to five games in League One with a 1-1 draw at leaders Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. 

Sadler named an unchanged XI for the back-to-back wins over Notts County and Port Vale which propelled Walsall to the League Two summit. 

He also made just one substitution at Vale Park but revealed that changes will be made tonight with others set to be offered an opportunity to stake a claim. 

"Today was tough. I never normally make one sub but it didn't feel like the type of game when you come on in this situation, it felt like the lads were all up to what was going on on the pitch," he added. 

"It didn't feel right to me. Firstly we're desperate to get through, we want to get to the next game and we want to win the next game that's on the cards. 

"We'll make a few changes and make sure that everyone gets up to speed because as you've seen with (George) Hall. He's played the last three league games off the back of playing games such as Tuesday. 

"Everyone has got to be ready for that and every will be." 

Jamie Jellis has been ruled out again with a calf injury although he will be fighting to be fit for the visit of Barrow on Saturday. 

Brandon Comley (cheekbone), Priestley Farquharson (thigh) and Josh Gordon (hamstring) also remain unavailable.