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Walsall will take on Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 25 August, with a place in the third round of the competition the reward for whichever side comes out on top.
Both sets of players will be dreaming of a match-up with Premier League opposition, so we anticipate a fiercely contested match at the Bescot Stadium.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Walsall vs Leyton Orient key stats
- Leyton Orient are one league and 17 places above Walsall in the EFL pyramid.
- Leyton Orient have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, if you include a penalty shootout victory in the EFL Trophy.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Walsall's last five matches.
Walsall vs Leyton Orient preview: A difficult task ahead for the hosts
Walsall vs Leyton Orient — Tale of the Tape
| Walsall | vs | Leyton Orient |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd(League Two) | Position | 10th(League One) |
| 4 | Points | 3 |
| 3 | Goals For | 3 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 2 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 18th | Home / Away Rank | 2nd |
As a League Two side, there is an argument that Walsall have already done all that could have been expected of them in the Carabao Cup, having made it through the opening round.
The Saddlers beat Championship side, Bristol City, in the opening round of the competition, so if anything, a match against a League One side on Tuesday night should feel rather straightforward.
Manager Lee Grant, who is fresh in the job this summer, will be delighted with how his team have started the new season. Not only have they already beaten Championship opposition, but they have also picked up four points from their opening two league matches.
Grant may elect to rest some players for this match, with league momentum arguably more important. Aaron Pressley, the matchwinner against Bristol City, will be keen to retain his place up front for the Saddlers.
As for Leyton Orient, they will be well aware of their status as pre-match favourites given that they play in a higher division than Walsall.
The O's have also started their season strongly, though, with Richie Wellens's side winning three of the four competitive matches they have played. The only blight on their record is a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
In round one, Leyton Orient defeated fellow League One side Oxford United to set up a clash with Walsall. Goals from Demetri Mitchell and Idris El Mizouni got the job done late on, and there will now be an appetite to progress further.
Wellens will also be tempted to rotate his squad, particularly as he looks to build up early-season fitness across his entire squad.
Walsall vs Leyton Orient form guide & betting tips
| Walsall | vs | Leyton Orient |
|---|---|---|
L
D
W
W
D |
Form |
W
W
L
W
W
|
| 4 | Goals For | 13 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 3 |
W |
Carabao Cup | W |
Whispers predicts: Walsall 0-1 Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient possess a deeper and better squad than Walsall, which will be more apparent if both managers choose to rotate. Leyton Orient to win has been priced at 11/10.
None of the last five H2H meetings between Walsall and Leyton Orient has produced more than two goals. Under 2.5 goals has been priced at 1/1.
Idris El Mizouni has scored two goals in his last two Leyton Orient starts. El Mizouni is priced at 5/1 to score anytime on Saturday.
> Leyton Orient to win at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 2.5 goals at 1/1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> Il Mizouni to score anytime at 5/1 (6.00) | Likelihood: Outsider