Darrell Clarke: Walsall must show Barrow respect

Last season's National League champions are winless in seven League Two games this season – while the Saddlers are the only remaining fourth tier side yet to lose a game.

Despite many seeing Walsall as favourites for the clash, Clarke is adamant that his side will need to be at their best.

“They’re unbeaten at home this season, they’ve drawn four games, it’s a tough place to play Barrow – I’ve played there as a player," Clarke said.

"We’ve got to give them the respect they deserve because they’ve been very unfortunate not to pick up a win in those games from what I’ve watched of them.

"They’re certainly no mugs and deserve to be in this league on merit as well so we will have to go there and compete, be aggressive with our competitiveness and play the football we’re capable of playing.”

Barrow manager David Dunn has been absent from the sidelines in the last two games after he tested positive for coronavirus but the former Blackburn Rovers player is set to return to the dugout tomorrow – and Clarke believes he will steer the Bluebirds to safety this season.

“David did a bit of agent work and I spoke to David when he was an agent and as a coach as well," Clarke added.

"He’s getting his opportunity. Unfortunately he’s had Covid but he looks like he’s coming back from that on Saturday which is good and his health is good.

"I’m sure they will be more than fine from the games that I have seen this season so far, they’ve been a little bit unfortunate so we need to make sure we take care of our performance and give Barrow the credit they deserve but we’ll make sure we’ll go and do our jobs.”