Walsall vs Preston North End preview - Key players miss out for Saddlers

Posted Friday, September 12, 2014 by PA

Walsall boss Dean Smith is still without several key players for the visit of Preston.

Sam Mantom (knee), Jordan Cook, Ben Purkiss (both ankle) and James Chambers (groin) are still out but returning defender Andy Butler will feature following his loan move from Sheffield United, coming just three months after leaving the Banks's Stadium.

Young striker Amadou Bakayoko suffered an ankle injury for the reserves on Tuesday but forward Romaine Sawyers is back after international duty.

The Saddlers are still winless in Sky Bet League One this season following their 0-0 draw with Colchester last week.

Simon Grayson hopes to have a full squad to select from for Preston's trip.

The likes of Australia's Bailey Wright and Gibraltar's Scott Wiseman have both returned from international duty unscathed, while Chris Humphrey is also available despite not travelling to meet up with Jamaica.

Winger Kyel Reid's long-awaited debut is inching ever closer after he completed 90 minutes against Blackburn in the Lancashire Senior Cup on Tuesday following his knee injury.

Grayson's team will likely feature several changes from the XI he deployed in their last match against Shrewsbury in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with Joe Garner among those set to be recalled.