"Even itself out" - Mat Sadler tackles Walsall home form question ahead of Crawley clash

However, Walsall have emerged with just two wins from their previous seven at Bescot in the league since collecting five wins from their opening six. 

Sadler was keen not to make an issue of the recent home form, after his side served up an underwhelming goalless stalemate against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

'Tend to even themselves out' - Sadler on recent home struggles

They will have another chance to register their first win on home soil since Boxing Day when Walsall host Crawley Town under the lights tonight.

"It's funny isn't it? It's very rare that a team is top of both [home and away tables] but it's not for the want of trying," boss Sadler said.

"There have been some moments that haven't quite gone our way in some home games that maybe have away from home. 

"Teams come here and understand that we've got a home ground that is really tough to play at, as you saw today with Accrington. 

"These things tend to even themselves out throughout the course of the season. It's important that everyone stays positive with each other and stays together. 

"What you want to create at home is a place where the players feel energised and we just have to make sure that we keep on top of that."

Sadler address Burke and Hancock absence

Harrison Burke and Mason Hancock have not featured in a league squad since returning from injury in the Saddlers' 4-2 defeat at Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy on December 13. 

Hancock missed almost five months with a dislocated knee, while a separate knee issue kept Burke out for over three months. 

The pair played 64 minutes at Northampton but have not been in the past two squads against Tranmere Rovers and Accrington Stanley respectively. 

On their extended absence, Sadler added: "It's a tough one with those two because ideally what they do is play two or three behind-closed-doors games. 

"But they didn't. They went straight into the EFL Trophy game, which was very competitive as you saw. 

"I'm just being mindful of the fact that every single day on the training pitch is better for them. 

"We've got players that are also playing well. Vincent [Harper] played exceptionally well at Tranmere and looked very solid again [against Accrington]. 

"Priestley [Farquharson] scored last week and has just helped us defend a clean sheet. Every player has got to fight to be in the squad and fight for their place." 

Walsall dropped to fifth in the League Two table after Salford City, MK Dons and Cambridge United all won over the weekend to leapfrog them. 

League leaders Bromley beat Swindon Town 2-1 at Hayes Lane to move nine points clear of the Saddlers, although Walsall do still boast a game in hand.

Jake Hollman (hamstring) and Harry Williams (Achilles) both remain unavailable.