Walsall v Bristol R preview

Deeney: Banned

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Walsall will be without the suspended Troy Deeney for the visit of Bristol Rovers, who have two new injury concerns.

Local lad Deeney, the Saddlers' top scorer this season with 10 goals to his name, was given his marching orders during Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Charlton having picked up a second yellow card. He now serves a one-match ban.

Full-back Rhys Weston was substituted after just eight minutes against the Addicks having suffered a recurrence of a calf injury and he is a doubt, meaning Darryl Westlake will be on standby to replace him once again.

Manny Smith (thigh) missed out altogether and is battling to be in contention for a return, while captain and fellow central defender Mark Hughes (ankle) is also not fully fit despite being named on the bench in midweek.

Defenders Jamie Vincent and Netan Sansara filled the voids left at the back and they may once again be called upon. Richard Taundry, meanwhile, will be hoping to keep his place in central midfield having started his first match since November.

Forward Steve Jones remains in the treatment room with his groin injury.

Rovers news

Bristol Rovers have a couple of fresh injury problems to contend with as they travel to the Banks's Stadium.

Defender Aaron Lescott sustained a hip injury in Tuesday's dismal 5-0 loss at Leyton Orient and was withdrawn after 33 minutes, while midfielder Chris Lines also suffered an injury in that game.

Lines did manage to complete 90 minutes at Brisbane Road though, despite an abdominal problem that will require a scan on Friday.

Ben Swallow and Dominic Blizzard are the likely replacements should Lescott and Lines not make it.

Boss Paul Trollope is not expected to make wholesale changes despite the shocking show against Orient that stretched Rovers' winless run on the road to nine games.

Trollope, who has no other injury or suspension problems, is expected to try and strengthen his squad when the emergency loan window reopens next week.