FORMER Southend United manager Chris Powell is the bookmakers’ favourite to take charge of Walsall.

Powell was dismissed by the Shrimpers at the end of March after going 11 games without a win.

But the 49-year-old is now being linked with the Saddlers who opted to part company with Dean Keates at the weekend.

Walsall are currently 22nd in the table, one point below Blues.

The two teams will meet at the Bescot Stadium on Good Friday.