Walsall fans told to raise the roof

Boss Dean Smith today urged the Walsall faithful to match Sheffield Wednesday's travelling army blow for blow in their Boxing Day showdown.

The Saddlers are set for a gate of close to 8,000 for Monday's clash – with Wednesday bringing 3,500 supporters.

They could even top their biggest home crowd since August 2009 when 8,483 watched Leeds win 2-1 in League One.

Wednesday's following could tip the balance in the visitors' favour but Smith insisted the Saddlers' fans will rise to the challenge.

He said: "Hillsborough is a little different to the Banks's Stadium. It's a big ground whereas ours is quite tight and compact so however many fans they have they will not turn it into a home game for them.

"Our supporters will get behind us right from the start."

But Wednesday boss Gary Megson insisted the big away following will change the emphasis of the game and put the Saddlers under pressure.

"What will change it is their biggest crowd of the season at the Banks's – because of our people," said the former Albion chief.

"That changes the whole demeanour of the game, the atmosphere and the way the opposition play."