Dean Keates does not believe the Saddlers’ previous results against Sunderland will have any bearing on tomorrow’s game.
Walsall have won one and drawn two against the Black Cats this season, with the win coming at the Stadium of Light back in December thanks to a superb Liam Kinsella strike.
The boss feels whichever team wants it most will prevail - and says there is no pressure on his side.
“Every match is different,” said Keates. “Just because we’ve done well against them previously, it doesn’t guarantee anything.
“It’s not going to have a bearing on the weekend. In the league game, we more than matched them down here earlier in the season, and we beat them in the cup.
“All it means is that we know the surroundings and what the players are going into.
“It’ll be a great atmosphere, it’s an unbelievable stadium but they’re a League One club – and that’s what we are.
“It’s about whoever turns up on the day and wants it most.
“As a club, as a group of players, there’s no pressure on us.
“The opportunity is there to go and play. We’ll go there and do our best.
“All being well, we’ll give a great account of our football club and get something.”