Jon Whitney: Walsall will overcome Wigan
Boss Jon Whitney has backed his Walsall players to finish above rivals Wigan and clinch an automatic promotion spot in League One.
Both the Saddlers and Gary Caldwell's Latics are currently tied on points in second place – six points behind leaders Burton Albion.
All three teams are desperate to finish in the automatic promotion spots as they look to clinch a place in the Championship without the drama of the play-offs.
But, while both Walsall and Burton are operating on two of the smallest budgets in the division, Wigan are still receiving parachute payments from their time in the Premier League.
And, while they spent big adding players to their squad, Whitney believes the numbers in their squad could work against the 2013 FA Cup winners.
Walsall's interim boss said: "Wigan keep reinforcing. They keep adding to the squad and you think 'they must have a great squad' then they added to it again.
"It's a fine balance for them. For us, it's about being tight-knit and the momentum we have built as a group.
"I think they are trying to add quality and rather than wait for them to settle in they are hoping that bit of quality will get them through a game – then they can change it again.
"Deep down, I think our way will come out on top."
Whitney believes all the teams in the top six will still harbour dreams of winning automatic promotion.
He added: "I think Burton will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. People keep asking why they have done so well but they are drilled and they do things right – they stick to their core principles.
"They have a great work ethic similar to ourselves. Then you look at the teams below us. Millwall are a good team. Gillingham are a good team. Barnsley have been on a really good run of form.
"But all we can do is focus on ourselves, enjoy the run-in and do our best to make sure we come out of it with something positive.
"We are joint second with Wigan who have a budget that is 20 times bigger than ours.
"But that doesn't mean anything because if you have got a passion and desire that can take you a long way – just look at Leicester and what they are doing in the Premier League."
