The Season So Far
Walsall last visited Griffin Park for an FA Cup tie back in November 2009, when a single goal from Leon Legge was enough to see Brentford through to the Second Round. Their last appearance at this stage of the competition was in 2008 - a 2-1 loss to Millwall in a replay at The New Den.
With Bees boss Dean Smith at the helm, Walsall had a great first half of the season and are currently third in League One. They went unbeaten in December, winning four and drawing two, and last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Rochdale was their first loss in seven matches.
Three of the squad made permanent moves to non-league sides over the summer. Former Chelsea youngster Billy Clifford signed for Boreham Wood while ex-Manchester City forward Ashley Grimes left for Barrow AFC. Their own academy product Jake Heath departed for Hednesford Town.
They were replaced by first team regulars Jason Demetriou [AEK Larnaca], Milan Lalkovic [Barnsley] and Neil Etheridge [Charlton Athletic]. Goalkeeper Etheridge, capped by the Philippines, learned his trade during an eight-year stay at Craven Cottage by playing backup to Mark Schwarzer and David Stockdale.
The away side also brought in George Evans on loan from Manchester City in October.
The Gaffer
Sean O’Driscoll has been in charge for 22 days after coming in to replace the outgoing Smith last month. The 58-year-old’s previous role was Assistant Manager to Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
He played most notably as a midfielder for Fulham and AFC Bournemouth in the 1980s. After hanging up his boots he then managed The Cherries for six years before spells at Doncaster Rovers and with the England Under-19s.
The officials
Referee: Andy Davies
Assistant Referees: Justin Amey and Adam Crysell
Fourth Official: Robert Whitton
Tickets
Check our ticket website for the latest availability.
You can hear live match commentary of the entire match on Bees Player from 12.15pm, with commentator Mark Burridge.