Walsall face stern early test at Priestfield as Lee Grant names squad to be assessed
Walsall make the short trip to Gillingham on Saturday for what will be the 125th meeting between the two clubs, kick-off scheduled for 3pm at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium. The fixture arrives with both clubs looking to build early momentum in the Sky Bet League Two season.
Lee Grant’s side arrive having taken confidence from a recent cup victory against Bristol City. Squad news from the Gillingham preview confirms Walsall have bolstered their options this week with the forward Roman Dixon joining the club and being available for selection. Defender Ryan Leak has returned to training after coming off in the first half of that cup win, while Alex Pattison remains sidelined through injury.
- Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm
- Venue: MEMS Priestfield Stadium
- New signing: Roman Dixon available for Walsall
The tie is being watched closely by both sets of supporters because of the tight historical rivalry. Gillingham’s official preview highlights just how evenly matched the clubs have been across a long series of meetings: the Gills lead the head-to-head narrowly with 48 wins to Walsall’s 47, with 29 draws.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total meetings | 125 |
| Gillingham wins | 48 |
| Walsall wins | 47 |
| Draws | 29 |
Managers set expectations
Gareth Ainsworth, speaking in advance of the game, underlined the task posed by Walsall and complimented the away side’s goalkeeper performance in the Carabao Cup tie with Bristol City. He referenced watching that match and noted Walsall’s ability to defend under sustained pressure while capitalising on their opportunity.
“They had a lot of defending to do and a lot of possession against them, but they held out. The keeper had a great game, and they took their chance when they got it.”
Walsall boss Lee Grant, meanwhile, reminded reporters of the narrow margins between the clubs last season and stressed the challenge that lies ahead. He acknowledged that there was not a huge gulf between the teams in terms of points and league positions and predicted a competitive encounter.
“Although there wasn’t a lot to separate the two teams last season in terms of points or position in the league... It’s going to be a real test and a real challenge.”
Implications for Walsall and local interest
For Walsall, the early-season fixture offers an opportunity to consolidate the positive feeling generated by the cup result. The availability of Roman Dixon could provide Grant with fresh attacking options, while Ryan Leak’s return to training is encouraging for defensive depth. The absence of Alex Pattison is a noted setback, however.
Locally, supporters will be keen to see how Grant’s team builds on the narrow league-position gap referenced by the Gillingham manager. Last season’s encounters were tight — Gillingham edged the ME7 meeting last August 1-0 — and the small margins across recent seasons mean this game could be significant for early-season momentum.
Travel and attendance information has been published by both clubs; supporters making the trip from Walsall should note the 3pm kick-off and any club travel arrangements. With the long-running rivalry and a near-even head-to-head record, Saturday’s fixture promises to be a closely contested affair with direct bearing on both clubs’ ambitions in League Two.
Walsall fans and neutrals alike will be watching to see whether Grant’s side can convert squad additions and returning personnel into a result on the road, and whether Gillingham can defend their slim historical advantage at Priestfield.
