Sheffield United extended their unbeaten run to eight matches following a 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic and a 3-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers, both at Bramall Lane. Jose Baxter netted a scorching free-kick against the Latics and he helped himself to the Blades second goal against Rovers with wingers Jamie Murphy and Ryan Flynn netting also.
That victory over Tranmere took them above their opponents and into 16th in the table - Ash Taylor netted a scant consolation for the visitors with five minutes remaining but by that time the damage had already been done.
Blades boss Nigel Clough could see Shaun Miller return to the squad after the former Crewe striker was rested in that victory over Tranmere. Aaron Barry has been recalled from his loan spell at Dumbarton and may feature amongst the substitutes whilst Marlon King should have seen his contract terminated and Lyle Taylor has joined Partick Thistle on loan.
The Blades have three former Saddlers on their books; Darryl Westlake, Florent Cuvelier and Febian Brandy. Currently on loan at League Two outfit Mansfield Town, defender Darryl Westlake won't face his former club although is still on the Blades books. He came through the youth ranks at the Bescot Stadium - making his debut in August 2009 in a 2-2 draw at home to Southend United and during his three year stay netted just once, a 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic in January 2011and upon his contract expiring left the Midlands club in July 2012 to join the Blades after making 70 (+8) appearances for the club and scored just once.
Belgium national Cuvelier spent one and a half seasons on loan at the Bescot Stadium, making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at home to Nott's County - he returned to parent club Stoke City at the end of the season before signing again on until March 2013. He made 36 (+4) appearances for the club and scored 7 goals before ending the season on loan at Peterborough United.
Brandy was signed by Walsall from Greek club Panetlikos in July 2012 and made his debut in a 1-0 win over Brentford in the League Cup. He made 28 (+9) appearances for the Saddlers and scored 7 goals - he was also sent off once before joining Sheffield United on a free transfer in June 2013.
Walsall moved to ninth in the table after dramatically drawing 2-2 with Gillingham but was denied maximum points when Coady McDonald netted an injury-time equaliser. McDonald had netted after just 21 seconds for hosts Gillingham with an unstoppable overhead kick from the edge of the box after Jake Hessenthaler crossed. They then spurned further chances to extend their lead when the frame of the goal twice denied them. First Chris Whelpdale volleyed onto the crossbar before Danny Kedwell's header hit the post.
On 16 minutes the Saddlers levelled through Romaine Sawyers, netting the re-bound after James Baxendale saw his shot blocked by Leon Legge. They took the lead in the 90th minute; Julian Gray, a second half substitute volleyed the visitors in front but deep into injury time the Gills struck with vengeance has McDonald finished from close range and almost bagged a hat-trick had it not been for a brilliant save by former Wednesday stopper Richard O'Donnell.
The hosts are expected to report no injury concerns or discipline issues and are expected to field a fully fit side for the visit of Sheffield United.
Saddlers’ manager Dean Smith is likely to field Andy Taylor against his former club who only left Bramall Lane this summer when his contract came to an end. He had initially been signed by Kevin Blackwell in July 2009 but during his spell with the Blades was hampered by injury, particularly last season where he recovered in time for the Play-Offs. He made his debut in a 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough and was part of the team which was inevitably relegated into League One and left the Lane after making only 38 (+7) appearances in three years.
The Midlands club also have Julian Gray on their books - in July 2009 he spent time on trial at Bramall Lane and participated in their summer tour of Malta but failed to obtain a contract.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Walsall 1 Sheffield United 1