Walsall v Bradford: Saddlers looking to feed their forwards

But the boss is adamant his forward players will soon get the service they deserve.

Saddlers host Bradford at the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow looking to get a victory that will kick-start their campaign.

Clarke’s men have won just once in nine outings so far this season. They have also scored only once in their last six games.

But following the 0-0 draw at Colchester last weekend, the boss doesn’t feel his strikers are to blame for that poor run in front of goal.

“I don’t think we supplied the bullets,” Clarke said.

“At Colchester, we had two centre-forwards making run after run and we’re not picking the right pass and the right time to release them.

“It’s about when to put balls into their feet or when to put balls at the side of them.

“We need to play forward more and work with our strikers.

“I’d be a frustrated striker in our team because I don’t think we’ve given them the service that they need to be able to perform on a more regular basis.”

Clarke believes Walsall got into plenty of areas where they should have hurt Colchester.

“We analysed it on Monday morning in front of the lads and there were so many opportunities on the transition,” he continued.

“It was a case of looking after the ball and making that first, clinical, good pass.

“We had a few opportunities to hurt them in the game but we didn’t take care of them.

“Certainly our attacking patterns and the way we work has to be a lot better.

“We have to take a lot more responsibility and be a lot better with our final pass.”

With James Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson up front, Bradford are being tipped by many to win automatic promotion this year.

“Bradford will be in the top seven,” Clarke added.

“They’ve got the squad, the resources and the support base.

“I’ll be amazed if they don’t finish in the top seven.

“It’s a difficult game – James Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson are very much a handful.

“We know it’s going to be a tough test but I’m sure they’re looking at us and thinking that they’re in for a tough game and that we are well organised.

“I must admit what I’ve seen in the league so far, I’m not shaking in my boots.

“I think when we get that bit of momentum – and I want it sooner rather than later – we’ll start kicking on.

“We’re very respectful of the other teams but I don’t think there’s any fear factor at this level.”

The opposition: Bantams looking to challenge

Darrell Clarke is adamant they will finish in the top seven, while the bookmakers believe they will be top three.

With a fan base, stadium and manager that you could argue all belong in the Championship, Bradford are sure to be right in the thick of the promotion race this year.

Gary Bowyer’s side may have only won three of their first seven matches in League Tw, but they are ominously placed just outside the play-off zone. And with the strength they have at their disposal, you can only see them getting better as the campaign progresses.

Their most eye-catching names are up front where James Vaughan is partnering Clayton Donaldson.

Both players, who have previously scored goals in the Championship, already have three this season.

And if Sean Scannell can stay fit, Bradford have a player who is far too good for the division.

At the back, Paudie O’Connor – on loan from Leeds – is a commanding young centre-back.

Right-back Adam Hanley was also a regular under Bowyer at Blackburn.

Alongside those players, the Bantams also have a three ex-Saddlers in their ranks.

Richard O’Donnell should start in goal, while Zeli Ismail and Aramide Oteh are likely to be on the bench.