Dean Smith: My Walsall side can last the pace

The Saddlers are set to play seven matches across the first three weeks of the season after reaching the second round of the Capital One Cup.

Despite being without the likes of Sam Mantom, Ben Purkiss and Jordan Cook, Smith believes he has the resources to cope.

"It's an important period – seven games from August 9 to the end of August," said Smith.

"It's a lot of games and a lot of minutes for the players and we've got a squad that I believe can cope with that now."

The Saddlers will host Premier League Crystal Palace in the second round of the cup after sneaking past Southend 2-1 on Tuesday. Kieron Morris got the winner three minutes from time and Smith was relieved his players did not have to face extra-time.

Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade feels extra-time should be scrapped at this stage and Smith agrees.

"I probably agree that they should go straight to penalties at this stage, these Capital One Cup ties, because we play enough minutes in the month anyway," said Smith.

"We feel we have got off to a reasonable start so far, getting through to the second round of the cup and a point away at Port Vale – and coming away disappointed that it was only a point."

Walsall play their first home fixture this afternoon, hosting Bradford, with Yeovil the visitors on Tuesday night.

After winning just seven home league games last season Smith says the back-to-back matches are an early chance to start putting things right.

"The record was not as good as we would have liked at home," he said. "It's something we can start to put right this week."