Northampton vs Walsall - preview: Chance to keep cup dreams alive in EFL Trophy

That was the first road trip (and the longest) of a sequence of three away games in just six days for Walsall this week. 

After their trip to the Sixfields Stadium, Walsall will be in action just 63 hours later in the League Two early kick-off against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Saturday. 

A chance to rotate

With that in mind, Mat Sadler will likely use the EFL Trophy as an opportunity to rest tiring legs and provide minutes for a number of fringe players. 

Sadler has already revealed that Mason Hancock and Harrison Burke are set to play some part in the game after lengthy spells on the side lines.

Hancock, who was an unused substitute at Norwich, has not featured since he was stretchered off during the Saddlers' 1-0 home defeat against Grimsby Town on August 19. 

Burke picked up a knee injury against Bristol Rovers in early October and has been absent ever since after suffering a setback in late November. 

Jake Hollman and Rico Richards among others could also receive rare minutes after struggling to break into the squad in League Two. 

Richards scored his first two goals for Walsall in the previous round when they came from behind to beat League One outfit Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium on December 2.

Walsall are trusting the kids

Second year scholar Stan Straw has also featured in every EFL Trophy fixture - including his first senior start in the round of 32 at Stevenage. 

Walsall faced opponents Northampton during the group stage and lose 1-0 at Bescot, as the Cobblers beat them to top spot in Group C of the Southern section. 

However, the Saddlers' rotation policy, which has also put a heavy emphasis on playing talent from the academy, has served them will in this competition so far. 

Besides from Straw, fellow youngsters Ronan Maher, Charlie Wragg, McLloyd Oben and Paul Makavore have also featured in the EFL Trophy this term. 

The EFL Trophy journey so far

After opening their campaign with a 3-1 success at Shrewsbury Town in September, Walsall did just enough to progress after gaining an extra point via a shoot-out win over Chelsea under-21s following a goalless stalemate.

Northampton have won every game in the EFL Trophy so far this term - including 3-0 and 2-1 wins over Chelsea under-21s and Shrewsbury in the group phase. 

First half strikes from Kyle Edwards and Tyrese Fornah sealed a 2-0 win over fellow League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers to book their place in the last 16.