Walsall vs Bristol Rovers - Match Preview

Following a 2-2 draw in the EFL Trophy in September, which the Saddlers won on penalties, the sides meet for the second time this season as Ben Garner’s men travel to the Banks’s Stadium.

Clarke spent four years as the Gas manager from 2014-2018 and Sadler insists the players are determined to do well for him.

“It will be a really good Cup tie, with the added spice of it being the manager’s former team,” Sadler said.

“It’s one that we’re really looking forward to, we want to do well for the manager.

“That’s the type of respect we have for the manager, we’re desperate to do well for him.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to get through to the next round.

“The Cup is a fantastic competition and something I thoroughly enjoy each season.

“Now on the other side of the fence I have friends who are non-league managers who have worked their way to the first round proper and you see how much it means to them.

“We’re really looking forward to the game on Saturday and if I play I’ll be looking forward to hopefully doing well.”

Sadler, who was promoted to play-coach in the summer following Marcus Stewart’s departure, insists the ‘bond’ within the group can propel them to a successful season.

“We’re in a good place as a group, which is the main thing,” he said.

“There’s a real togetherness and bond.

“It’s very difficult to make that happen but we’ve got it. I have the benefit of being on both sides and can see that.

“That can take you places. There’s other factors in that and a bit of luck along the way doesn’t harm but this was a good win going into two cup games now.

“It’s relentless but it’s enjoyable.”

The 35-year-old will be hoping to keep his place in the side following his goalscoring display in midweek against Crawley Town.

Captain James Clarke has missed the last three games through injury, while Danny Guthrie and George Nurse were both missing on Tuesday night after picking up knocks ahead of the game.

And manager Clarke has revealed they are all doubts for tomorrow’s clash.

“They’re all worries for the weekend because it comes around quite quick but we’re hoping nothing is too long term,” he said.

“We certainly knew this was going to happen but the strength and the depth of the squad is good which is testament to what we’re trying to build here.

“We’ll keep trying to keep players fresh, injury free and make sure we get the load right for them.”

Despite having already played the League One outfit this season, Clarke insists he has not learned anything from that encounter as he expects Rovers to play a totally different side.

“Different teams weren’t they? I rested six or seven and they rested nine,” he added.

“They want to be a possession-based team and they want to work the ball.

“It’s a game where we’re disappointed that we can’t get a full house in.

“All the games are disappointing with no atmosphere but it’s a cup competition – we need the money so we’ll be doing our best.

“We’ll be competitive on the day.

“We’re playing a team in a higher division than us but we’ll give it our best shot.”