Walsall fixtures 2017/18: Summing up the Saddlers' upcoming season

Overview

Walsall have to hit the ground running after being handed a tricky start to the new campaign.

An opening day trip to Bury sees Jon Whitney’s side face a Shakers outfit boosted by big money arrivals.

The home clash with Oldham is then followed by a trip to rejuvenated Portsmouth before the visit of nemesis Bradford.

Highlights

Never before have fans in League One had a former Premier League winner as a divisional rival.

But that has all changed following Blackburn’s tumble through the divisions.

Jon Whitney’s side visit Ewood Park on November 11.

Lowlights

After a heavy night welcoming in the New Year, the last thing Saddlers fans wanted was a 420-mile round trip to Plymouth on January 1.

To make matters even worse, the clash is then followed by a trek to Peterborough just five days later.

Beer money may need to saved for petrol money as 2018 approaches.

Don’t miss

A trip to AFC Wimbledon’s charming Kingsmeadow Stadium.

The former home of non-league outfit Kingstonian, fans couldn’t be closer to the action with away supporters seated practically on top of the dugouts.

Give it a swerve

The words ‘Bradford’ and ‘Valley Parade’ send shudders down the spine of Saddlers fans following some dismal trips to Yorkshire over the past few years.

A 4-0 defeat in April 2016 still lingers while a 1-0 loss earlier this year was only marginally better.

Walsall travel to take on the Bantams on April 2.

One the manager will fancy

Walsall take on rivals Shrewsbury at home on October 7 with the reverse clash at Greenhous Meadow scheduled for March 10.

Both the Saddlers and Jon Whitney have an outstanding record against the old enemy.

Whitney has won three and drawn one of his four games against the Shropshire side.

While overall, Walsall have lost just one league game against their closest league rival in the past 24 years.

Eyes on the pies

For many football fans an away day isn’t complete without a tasty pastry.

Fortunately, website Pierate has ranked the best in League One.

Coming out on top is MK Dons’ chicken, gammon and leek pie.

That is closely followed by a curry pie at Bristol Rovers and a chicken and mushroom treat at Oxford.

We’re here for the beer

Every day is a beer festival at Wigan Central, a pub situated right by the railway station which sells a vast collection or real ales as well as more than 100 different beers.

If you are a cider drinker, however, and not too hungover on New Year’s Day, Plymouth is famous for its orchard cider which is on sale at Home Park.

Apple and pear flavours are on offer and can be complemented with a wide selection of pies.