Dean Keates could make changes as Walsall host Portsmouth

Posted Friday, March 30, 2018 by PA

Walsall boss Dean Keates must decide whether to shuffle his pack once more for the League One clash with Portsmouth.

Keates made two changes for his first match in charge, bringing Jack Fitzwater and Maziar Kouhyar in for Kory Roberts and Julien Ngoy, but his reign started with a 3-0 defeat to Wigan.

Keates, appointed earlier this month, watched the Latics game from the stands but will be in the dugout against Portsmouth.

Midfielder Joe Edwards is out for the rest of the season due to knee ligament damage.

Portsmouth midfielder Gareth Evans could be ready to start after making a substitute appearance in the 3-0 victory over Oxford.

Evans made a successful comeback after a month out with a hamstring injury and boss Kenny Jackett may decide to give him a more prominent role against struggling Walsall.

Oliver Hawkins (hamstring), Stephen Henderson (thigh), Stuart O’Keefe (groin) and Danny Rose (leg) are expected to be unavailable once again.

Jackett missed the Oxford game due to a “family health issue” – his assistant Joe Gallen took charge in his absence – but returns to the dugout this weekend.