Video: Dean Smith is all set to ring more changes

The Saddlers boss made three changes to the line-up for Tuesday night's 4-3 win at Nottingham Forest as well as switching tactics and has not ruled out further changes for tomorrow's trip to Southend.

Smith confirmed the move to four at the back had nothing to do with the unavailability of defender Andy Taylor, but was instead planned well in advance.

With his team facing midweek games in each of the season's first four weeks, the manager intends to ensure players remain as fresh as possible.

"The players will probably tell you I am thinking a game ahead all the time," said Smith. "I told the players last week we would be playing three at the back on Saturday and then be going to four at the back on Tuesday – the players knew it. I will pick a system and a team which I believe can go and win a game. That is how I'm looking at the moment.

"I am also looking a game further forward as well.

"After Southend it is Rochdale so I am looking Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday for the first four weeks of the season.

"It is going to take a lot out of players, so I have to prepare for the game after as well.

"Did I have this last season? Certainly not.

"I didn't have the luxury, in some ways because of the number of injured bodies we have. We have got that this season and I am thankful."

Taylor's fitness, along with that of skipper Adam Chambers, was being assessed today before the squad travelled south.

Chambers was forced off late on Tuesday after sustaining a blow to the knee and Smith is hoping he will recover in time to play tomorrow.

Despite being, at 34, the oldest member of the squad by some distance, the captain has remained durable and is integral to the 4-1-4-1 formation used at Forest, when he sat in front of the back four.

He missed only one game last season, a 4-0 defeat at Rochdale.