Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has urged Saddlers fans to create a cauldron atmosphere when Leeds United visit the Banks’ Stadium.

The club are set for their biggest crowd of the season, which could top 8,000, thanks to Leeds bringing 4,000 supporters with them.

The away fans have been allocated the Homeserve and West Bromwich Building Society stands – such is their support – and Hutchings wants the ground to be buzzing.

He said: “It’ll be a great atmosphere, Leeds are always a noisy crowd and they have a great following. It’s a massive club but I’m sure our fans will get behind us and outshout the Leeds fans.

“It’s always nice to play in front of packed houses and that’s what you get the buzz from. It’ll be a big crowd and the players will be up for it, that’s for sure.

“They’ll give 100 per cent depending on who we can get out there.”

Hutchings is sweating on the fitness of Rhys Weston, Stephen Hughes, Stephen Roberts and Michael Ricketts after they all returned to training. The former Wigan boss has no problems with throwing them straight into the squad – as long as they prove their fitness beforehand.

He said: “If they are fit it’s a big factor for us and although they are big games, they are big game players. If Roberts is fit and training he will come into contention and so will Weston.

“They are two experienced players who played regularly at a higher level and will enhance the squad.”

Hutchings admitted the injuries have been a huge blow to his match preparation, but knew what the situation was when he took the manager’s job last week.

He said: “I came in with my eyes wide open and looking forward to the challenge. It’s always a challenge trying to get the players to perform how you want them to.”

To counter the injuries, Hutchings has already revealed he has been thwarted in his attempts to bring players in.

The Walsall boss remains confident he can entice new faces before the transfer window closes on Monday but knows good players are at a premium.

He said: “Clubs are more reluctant to let their experienced players go because you always turn to experience when you get injuries,” he said.

Transfer listed Chris Palmer will feature after he signed his registration form and Marco Reich has now left the club after the Saddlers decided against renewing his six-month deal, which ends tomorrow.