James Wilson set for Walsall return

Posted Sunday, December 24, 2017 by PA

Walsall boss Jon Whitney is likely to welcome back defender James Wilson for the Boxing Day clash at home to Bristol Rovers.

The 28-year-old Sheffield United loanee missed Saturday's last-gasp 1-1 draw at Rochdale after he and his partner welcomed a new baby into the world.

Amadou Bakayoko remains out as he serves the second game of a three-match suspension for his sending-off in the defeat at Northampton earlier this month.

The Saddlers remain 11th after rescuing a point at Spotland and look set to be without Florent Cuvelier (knee) and Tyler Roberts (hamstring).

Bristol Rovers boss Darrell Clarke should return to the dugout after missing the Doncaster defeat due to a sickness bug.

And he could opt to change his starting XI for the first time in four games as the Pirates look to recover from back-to-back defeats.

Chris Lines and Ollie Clarke could earn recalls in midfield while Tom Nichols is an option up front if Clarke decides to omit either Rory Gaffney or Ellis Harrison.

Byron Moore, who has not featured in the league since October, looks unlikely to feature, along with long-term injury victim James Clarke.