Walsall defender Manny Smith believes the Saddlers can use the element of surprise to shock Colchester on Saturday.

Chris Hutchings’ side travel to the fourth-placed promotion chasers knowing a win – and favourable results elsewhere – could see them leap into the top six for the first time this season.

Defender Smith reckons, with Colchester favourites for the clash, the 11th-placed team can steal three points.

He said: “We play better against the bigger teams and most people don’t expect us to win. But when we play the bigger sides it gets us hyped up to win to prove we can play them.

“We have to leave these places with at least a point but we can win.”

Smith will fight with Mark Hughes and fit-again Clayton McDonald for a starting spot at the Community Stadium, as the Saddlers plot back-to-back wins.

After just two victories in six games, Smith has taken confidence from their performances but believes the Saddlers must become ruthless.

He said: “We will be in there at the end of the season if we keep performing. We need to clean up our attacking and defending.

“We have to be sharp at both ends, because it could be the one-goal wins which get you those extra points to make the difference at the end of the season.”