The Emirates FA Cup returns this weekend with Wanderers facing League Two Walsall at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
The Whites come into this game on the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Stevenage in midweek, with Ricardo Almeida Santos, John McAtee, Vitcor Adeboyejo and Dion Charles all on the scoresheet.
Victory at the Lamex moved Ian Evatt's side into the play-off positions in League One, and will be looking to continue their recent run of form into the FA Cup.
Walsall sit 2nd in League Two, just four points behind league leaders Port Vale but are coming in to this on the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw with Accrington Stanley.
Walsall progressed through to the Third Round last season before exiting the competition at St Mary's to then Championship outfit, Southampton.
Manager Quotes
Ian Evatt: "With the injuries we've got, we've got to protect and prioritise a little bit. To be honest there are some players that need minutes and need game time. These are fully fledged first-team players that we believe in and one or two have played a lot of minutes this season and probably need protecting a little bit, given the injuries in that position group.
"This season, over other seasons I'd say, the priority is absolutely the league, in particular with the injuries we've got at the moment. But we want to compete and win every game we are in and Saturday is no different, so I’ll pick what team I think can get the job done with in the back of my mind half an eye on Stockport in the league next week."
Walsall Boss Mat Sadler: "That’s what the Cup is. It’s that chance to make more memories, that chance for those magic moments, it’s certainly not lost on me the things that have come in the past and why we love this competition so much is because of games like ours at the weekend. Bolton are doing very well in their league, and have shown why they’re one of the favourites in the division in recent weeks. For us, it’s a fantastic challenge and fantastic test.
"I’m delighted to be at home. I know there’s been an incentive on to get as many supporters as possible in the ground. Please, as many as possible, come. We’re desperate to create more memories. We’re under no illusions what a tough game it will be, and they’ve got some very good players that can hurt you all over the pitch. We’ve got to be right on it."
Team News
No further new on Kyle Dempsey who is waiting to see a consultant about his knee injury. Gethin Jones and Jordi Osei-Tutu aren't too far away from making returns to the squad after knee and calf problems respectively.
Defender Eoin Toal will be out for eight weeks after being substituted in Wanderers' 4-1 win over Stevenage on Tuesday night due to a hamstring tear.
No fresh injury concerns for Walsall with just three members of their squad out. Those being midfielder Dylan Thomas, who has been on loan at Bromsgrove Sporting this season, forward Josh Gordon and defender Priestley Farquharson.
Form Guide
Three wins in the last five have fired Wanderers into the play-off places in League One as the Whites pause from league action this weekend.
Nine goals for the Whites across those games, scored by nine different players will please Ian Evatt with goals coming from all over the pitch.
The hosts have two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five but are unbeaten in four with victories over Carlisle United and Grimsby Town.
The hosts have conceded seven goals at home in their last two, with the majority coming in a heavy 6-2 loss to Fleetwood Town.
Kick off
Saturday 3pm.
No Replays | Extra Time/Penalties
If the game finishes as a draw after 90 minutes, Saturday's tie against Walsall will be settled on the day with extra time and penalties to take place - should they be needed. There will be no replay.
Referee
Ruebyn Ricardo.
This will be the first time Ricardo has officiated Wanderers.
Tickets/Wanderers TV
Pay on the day is available for Wanderers' supporters on Saturday afternoon but payments must be made with a debit/credit card as Walsall operate a cashless stadium.
Due to competition regulations in the Emirates FA Cup, Saturday's First Round tie is unable to be streamed with individual passes on Wanderers TV. The best place to take in the game and back the boys this weekend is at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Any Wanderers supporter with a monthly or annual subscription to the club's TV channel can listen to audio commentary of Saturday's FA Cup tie.