Saddlers boss Darrell Clarke insists his side will be giving everything to cause an upset in the first round of the FA Cup as his former side Bristol Rovers are welcomed to the Banks’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Rovers, who currently sit in 15th spot in the third tier of English football with three league wins to their name, are an all to familiar opponent for Clarke, who spent four years with the Gas achieving back to back promotions with them.
And whilst the fact that no fans are allowed into the stadium for the game has taken the gloss off the tie for Clarke, he is still expecting his side to give their all in the match.
"I've always loved the FA Cup growing up and it's a tournament we want to do well in,” said Clarke.
"We're at home against higher opposition and we're looking forward to it.
"We know it's going to be a tough, difficult game, especially with the injuries I have at the minute, but we'll be looking to be very competitive.
"We'll try and get on the front foot to cause a bit of an upset.
"It takes the gloss off the tie with not being able to have the Walsall and Bristol Rovers fans in the stadium.
"The FA Cup is such a special occasion and normally really whets the appetite of supporters. Me managing against my old club might have brought more interest to the tie as well, so we're disappointed in that aspect.
"But we're looking forward to it nonetheless.
“We have one or two players that used to be Bristol Rovers as well, so we're looking forward to the occasion but you only look forward to it if you win the football match.
"With no replay as well, it will be decided tomorrow and we'll be giving it a right good go.”