Match Preview - Bristol City (A) CC R1

First up for the Saddlers in the 2026/27 season we hit the road as we travel to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol City in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday 6th of August (7:45 KO). A cup game to start the season is certainly something new for us all and it doesn't make things better when facing a team two divisions above. With that though I am sure Lee Grant will aim to cause an upset and get this new era off to a winning start and put in a good performance for the 500+ Saddlers fans making the trip down.

Team News:

Walsall have made 10 signings so far this summer and will look to give out a number of debuts at Ashton Gate. Jed Ward looks set to start the campaign in between the sticks with academy graduate Jenson Kilroy his understudy as number 2 at this time. Elicha Ahui may start at right back with Rico Browne being a doubt after recently recovering from an injury sustained against Luton in pre season. Alex Pattison won't be involved after a hamstring injury at Telford is set to sideline him for the next few months. Albert Adomah may be given a start against his former club on the wing as Walsall await more wide incomings with new star Reece Smith set to start on the left hand side. With no goals in pre season it is interesting to see if Lee Grant opts to start summer signing Andy Dallas or Aaron Pressley.

The opposition:

Bristol City finished last season in 12th place in The Championship but have since acquired Michael Skubala who led Lincoln City to promotion to the second division. They have made notable signings up top with Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard joining from Plymouth and Leyton Orient respectively. Between the sticks Sam Tickle joined the club from Wigan who has represented England at U21's level. Ex Walsall loanee Cameron Pring will look to play apart in the season opener against the Saddlers, the left back has made 163 appearances for the Robins so far.

Match Prediction:

With Walsall's lack of goals so far in pre season and Bristol City having quality firepower up top, I am going with Bristol City 3-1 Walsall.