Walsall Head Coach Michael Flynn stressed his team will be coming up against a side who are used to winning games when they face Grimsby Town on Saturday.
The Mariners are back in the EFL after a one-season absence as they won promotion from the National League at the first time of asking last campaign.
The Saddlers will be looking to get back to winning ways after a frustrating cup exit to Charlton Athletic in midweek despite an encouraging display.
Flynn says the team are in a positive mood ahead of tomorrow’s game but is expecting Grimsby to be tricky opponents.
“Paul Hurst teams always bring a tough challenge,” Flynn said.
“Set plays, their work rate and the players had a fantastic run at the end of last season where they got promotion so it’s a team who are used to winning and we’ve got to make sure they don’t get that feeling on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a tough season this year all through the league. How Grimsby do isn’t my concern, I just have to make sure we pick up six points both times we play them.
“We’ve had a solid start; we could easily be on 12 points. If Danny puts the chance away at Gillingham and we don’t concede that late against Stevenage, that’s an extra four points but it’s not.
“It’s a solid start and we’ve got to keep going. We’re a new squad together, it’s going to take time so we’re going to have ups and downs but the players are in a positive mood and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”
The Saddlers still have injuries to contend with and it continues to be an area of frustration for Flynn.
“Joe Riley’s had a reaction again so it’s not good,” Flynn commented.
“His last bit of running the other day, he had a rection. We’re still the same, we’ve got five out and it’s tough because we’ve only got 18 fit.”
Watch more: