Walsall vs Notts County - Friendlies Clubs

All eyes turn to the home ground on August 1, 2026 as Walsall welcome Notts County in a Friendlies Clubs encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. LIV Golf definitely changed the face of the professional game with the extortionate amounts of money that they pumped into the league.

There is little to choose between Walsall and Notts County on paper, and the Friendlies Clubs encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Arsenal can move three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win at Brighton this afternoon.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Walsall favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Notts County are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Man Utd are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. One of McInnes' decisions will likely be who starts up front in the absence of captain Lawrence Shankland and fellow striker Youssef Chermiti.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies Clubs fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.