Walsall happy to land Crystal Palace cup tie
Boss Dean Smith insisted Walsall are happy with drawing Crystal Palace at home in the Capital One Cup – despite just missing out on a clash with Manchester United.
The Saddlers had a 50 per cent chance of welcoming the 19-time English champions to the Banks's Stadium, as they were among the last few teams to be drawn in last night's second round draw.
Instead they will host Palace, with League One rivals Milton Keynes Dons landing the home tie with United.
But having lost to Premier League opponents on the road in the past two seasons in the second round, Smith was happy with the home draw.
He said: "I didn't watch the draw but my brother phoned me up straight after. We had a 50-50, United or Palace but it is a Premier League team at home and we are pleased with that.
"Financially, for the football club it would have been better had Manchester United come out but we are not displeased with what we got."
The Saddlers, who defeated Southend 2-1 in the first round on Tuesday, have been beaten at Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City in the past two seasons and have not reached the third round since 2002.
Smith said: "We should get a decent crowd. The last few years we have got through to the second round and we have faced tough Premier League opposition away from home. We have put in good performances but have been on the wrong side of the result.
"It will be nice to be at home for a change. They have done really well under Tony Pulis and it will be a game to look forward to, but we have lots of other games before then.
"We will look forward to it. I will have someone scouting them at Arsenal."
