County travel to the Bescot for the Boxing Day tie, and it is the first time the sides have met since a 1-0 win for County at EP during the historic nine-in-a-row

As far as team news goes, Walsall will be missing influential skipper Stephen Hughes through a groin strain, with Stephen Roberts also out til the New Year with a knee problem.

The hosts' squad has been decimated by a winter virus in the last week, meaning several players may be short of fitness, though they have reported no serious concerns ahead of the fixture.

As for County, Michael Raynes and Matty McNeil continue to be sidelined, with the County captain suffering from a hamstring injury sustained against Gillingham in the FA Cup replay a couple of weeks ago, while McNeil is suffering from a back strain.

County have also been struck by a virus of late, meaning Leon McSweeney and Jason Taylor, both of whom missed last weekend's victory over Bristol Rovers, face tests on Boxing Day morning to ascertain their fitness for the squad.
County have no other new injury worries.

Best Christmas wishes from everyone at stockportcounty-mad.co.uk, we hope you have had a great day and have a happy new year.