Central defender Ian Roper could start against Sunderland today after recovering from the injury that has kept him sidelined for the past month. Jamie Vincent is also expected to feature after signing on-loan from Portsmouth and he could replace the indifferent Zigor Aranalde at left-back. Walsall manager Colin Lee has an almost full squad to choose from, with the suspended Vinny Samways the only absentee, although Paul Merson is a doubt after he injured his groin during training. Sunderland have problems too. Left-back Julio Arca is suspended after his sending-off against Sheffield United and left-sided midfielder Thomas Butler is struggling to overcome an ankle knock sustained against Cardiff. Sunderland are certain to be without Stephen Wright (calf), Matt Piper (knee) and Jason McAteer (hamstring) although Paul Thirlwell could return. Sunderland (possible) line-up (4-4-2): Poom; Williams, Breen, McCartney, James; Oster, Whitely, Healy, Smith; Stewart, Kyle. Subs: Ingham, Bjorklund, Proctor, Thornton, Quinn. Walsall (possible) line-up (4-3-1-2): Walker; Baird, Roper, Ritchie, Vincent; O'Neil, Osborn, Lawrence; Merson; Birch, Leitao. Subs: Kerr, Bazeley, Hay, Emblen, Aranalde. |