Bolton v Walsall - Match Preview

Although a last-minute penalty denied the Saddlers all three points away at Crawley on Tuesday, the team put in a much-improved display after the dismal showing against Barrow last week.

Crawley entered the fixture on the back of three consecutive victories but for large parts of the game Walsall were in control.

Now, heading to a Bolton side that are also in superb form, Clarke insists they must have belief that they can leave with a positive result.

“Bolton is obviously a much different project, it will be a lot different and we’ll look at how they play and change the way we’re going to go about it,” the captain said.

“But we have to take confidence from Crawley. I’m gutted with the result but we have to look back at the game and see we’ve done some really good things and kept them very quiet.

“Some of the performances and battling was unbelievable, so we need to keep that spirit, more boys becoming men.”

After Saturday’s game, Walsall face the bottom two teams next week in Southend and Grimsby.

When asked if the Bolton fixture was any more crucial ahead of those crunch games, Clarke added: “I’ll be honest, I don’t look at the fixtures.

“I find out on the Monday who we have that Saturday.

“We take each game as it comes, we don’t look at what games to win, it’s each game as it comes.

“We go out to win every game. It’s not always the case but it’s how we do it.”

Head coach Brian Dutton has echoed his captain’s thoughts – when asked if the team can take confidence from the Crawley performance, he said: “Of course we can.

“The away performances have been first class. They’ve only let me down in two performances in my opinion, against Bradford for 70 minutes and against Barrow.

“I take the rap for the Barrow one and they take the rap for the Bradford one.

“I’m content with the performances but they just need the results.

“There’s not a lot of holes at Bolton, that’s why they’re the most in-form team in the league and looking like they’ll be pushing for an automatic promotion spot.

“But we have a great bunch of lads who will have the bit between their teeth for that fixture. We’ll look forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Walsall have been dealt an injury blow to defender Dan Scarr.

He hobbled off against Barrow last week and scans have shown an issue with his calf.

“He’s not great,” Dutton added.

“He felt something in his calf and has been for a scan. He won’t be back in the near future but we’re hoping that it’s not as severe that he can’t play a part between now and the end of the season.”

Jack Nolan and Frank Vincent have not been involved in recent weeks and have missed out on the squad altogether in the last two games.

Fans have been speculating on their admission but Dutton insists they are part of his plans – calling on them to take their next chance.

“We have a big squad and a lot of that squad are young players,” Dutton said.

“I have to judge things on who I think is performing well in training and who is ready to affect the team. Jack Nolan and Frank Vincent fall into that category. We have Alfie Bates and Sam Perry in midfield who have done well. Frank needs to take his opportunity when it’s given, whenever that will be.

“Same with Jack Nolan. We’ve had Tyreik Wright come in and he’s been a shining light for the team.

“He’s 19 years old and top of the running stats. He’s creating opportunities and getting assists. It’s tough competition and you need to be taking your opportunity when it’s given. Every player I have is part of my plans between now and the end of the season. There won’t be anybody who is not a part of it. It’s a case of being professional, preparing your body and mind, ready for when that next opportunity comes.”