Saddlers warned of Sky Blues danger
Dean Smith has urged his players not to take Coventry lightly as Walsall aim for the perfect start to 2015.
The Banks's Stadium sees its first action of the year tomorrow when the Saddlers host the Sky Blues in a Midlands derby.
Smith's men are looking for three points which would move them up further in the race for the top six and last Sunday's 3-0 win over MK Dons means they will not be short of confidence. But the manager is eager not to see them return to earth with a bump against their rivals.
"Coventry will not be an easy game for us by any means," he said.
"I was speaking to Paul Cook earlier in the week from Chesterfield and he told me Coventry were one of the best teams they have played all season.
"I think it is a good game for us to have. It is a new year and there are renewed expectations around us. They will bring a few supporters and it should be a good atmosphere."
The Saddlers drew 0-0 with the Sky Blues in the reverse fixture at the Ricoh Arena five weeks ago and will be aiming to record back-to-back wins in the league for only the second time this season. Coventry have won just one of their last six fixtures but are just four points behind the Saddlers in the table.
Walsall are one of nine teams separated by just three points and while a win could conceivably push them up to sixth, defeat could drop them as far as 15th.
"Looking at Coventry's results, they have been getting a lot of draws," added Smith. "But having had reports on those games and having seen some myself I know they deserved to win a couple of those."
Sam Mantom remains the Saddlers' only injury concern, with Smith hopeful the 22-year-old can finally make his return from a knee injury in the coming weeks.
