Jon Whitney is Walsall wary of the wounded Gills

The Kent based outfit arrive with manager Justin Edinburgh under intense pressure following a shock defeat to part-timers Brackley in the FA Cup.

Edinburgh's men are also yet to keep a clean sheet in League One this season, although they sit just two points behind the Saddlers in 17th spot.

And Whitney believes they cannot afford to be taken lightly, with the Gills having beaten Northampton Town in their last League One outing.

"I watched the game against Brackley and the win against Northampton before that," he said.

"I'm sure Justin will want a quick turn around.

"He will be working off the energy form Northampton when they scored a late winner. That is what he will be tapping into.

"We have to respect them for what they can still bring.

"There can't be any complacency from my players.

"Justin needs a win. He is under a bit of pressure. He will try and take the pressure off his players and come here and enjoy the day."

Whitney's admits he is surprised at where the Gills find themselves in the table with the quality they have in their squad.

"They have got some very good players," he continued.

"Bradley Dack was the player of the season last year. Cody McDonald is a threat. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is a good player.

"They will be a threat but first and foremost we will concentrate on ourselves.

"We want to impose our game and get the crowd on their feet."

The Saddlers are looking to returning to winning ways following a 1-1 draw at MK Dons last time out.

But the will be without winger Kieron Morris who again misses out with an ankle knock - with Whitney hopeful he will return for Tuesday's trip to Rochdale.

"Kieron is still a week away," the boss added.

"He won't be available at the weekend.

"He is progressing well.

"But he has got a little bit of a high ankle sprain which we have to be careful with because it can become quite problematic.

"He won't be available for the weekend but we're not ruling him out for Rochdale."