Walsall vs Newport County: George Bennett's predicted XI

(3-1-4-2)

Tommy Simkin 

The Stoke City loanee tops the charts for clean sheet after moving into double figures with his fourth shutout in a row in the Boxing Day win over Doncaster Rovers. 

David Okagbue 

His return on a permanent deal has proven to be very shrewd business from Walsall. The Irishman has been in prime form of late and has played every minute since replacing the injured Priestley Farquharson at half-time in the 1-0 loss at Tranmere Rovers on August 24. 

Harry Williams 

Consolidated another commanding defensive performance with his second goal of the season on Boxing Day. He continues to from strength to strength in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the young centre-back. 

Taylor Allen 

His threat going forward can never be questioned but Allen has developed into a very accomplished defender over the course of the past 12 months. He has undergone a remarkable transformation in 2024 and has started the past 38 games in League Two. 

Ryan Stirk 

The midfielder is one of only three players to start every league game for the Saddlers this term. He has been a vital cog in the system and has firmly established himself in the deep-lying role. 

Connor Barrett 

Barrett is another who has started every game in League Two this term and will be buoyed by a strong display on Boxing Day as he grabbed his seventh league assist of the campaign. 

Jamie Jellis 

His return from a calf injury proved timely with George Hall being ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring issue. He bagged his first assist of the season with a pinpoint free-kick delivery for Harry Williams against Doncaster.

Charlie Lakin 

The former Birmingham City midfielder has been described as an "unsung hero" on more than one occasion by boss Mat Sadler. He is always more than happy to do the dirty work although his importance to the team has received far greater recognition of late. 

Liam Gordon 

No player has played more league minutes than the Guyana international over the course of Sadler's reign (5,628). The wing-back has been a reliable figure and has been one of the first names on the team sheet over the past 18 months.

Jamille Matt 

He served as a key focal point in attack on his return from suspension on Boxing Day just as he has throughout the season. The 35-year-old has found the net six times in League Two so far.

Nathan Lowe 

​​​​The teenager has scored in back-to-back games against Harrogate Town and Doncaster respectively to extend his tally to 14 goals across all competitions. 

Lowe has averaged a goal every 142 minutes for the Saddlers in League Two and is just one goal shy of leading scorers Michael Cheek and Andy Cook (both on 12) in the race for the golden boot.