Dean Smith warns Saddlers can shock

Walsall manager Dean Smith today insisted the Saddlers can shock Preston after his spies dished the dirt on the Lilywhites.

Smith's men host North End tomorrow hunting their first home league win since the 1-0 opening day victory over Leyton Orient.

Fifth-placed Preston lost 2-1 at struggling Leyton Orient in their last League One outing and Smith revealed he had called on his former club, where he was a player and assistant manager, for some match-winning hints.

He said: "We had them watched against Orient and I've spoken to people there who I know and they've given us the rundown on Preston. Everyone outside our club will expect them to come and beat us.

"They are on a great run and have won seven on the spin but have been beaten twice this season against so-called lower clubs in Colchester and Orient. I see no reason why we can't be number three."