Preview: Saddlers will need to be well rested for tough trip to Oldham

While the pitch appeared to hold up well to the incessant rain, its heaviness would have taken its toll on the legs of those in action at the Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday.

And as well as the Saddlers players have been able to rest up in the three days since, it will undoubtedly be on Sadler's mind when he selects his starting XI for a game against a physical Oldham Athletic side.

"It's been a good week - three wins in a week - and the start of a new one, so we have to be pleased," said Sadler, following his side's FA Cup progress. "2-0 away from home in any format is a good result and we will go home and rest up and recover."

Captain and targetman Jamille Matt was given an hour at Gateshead, perhaps with one eye on starting tonight's trip to Oldham.

Albert Adomah came on to replace him, though is a different sort of frontman, while Kemar Roofe was also given just shy of 20 minutes off the bench.

Aaron Pressley (hamstring) has also been closing in on a return to fitness and could bolster Walsall's attacking options on the bench if deemed ready to go, but it is Matt who is most likely to start again up front alongside Daniel Kanu.

"You know how much I love him, he is class," Sadler said of his skipper. "He gives the team a definitive focal point and he always seems to bring everyone with him. We're very lucky to have Jamille."

He added: "I've got to make sure that when Aaron does come back, it's because he is fully 100 per cent. I'm not going to risk 90 per cent Aaron just in case. Jamille will continue to play an important role for this team."

Further back, defender Harrison Burke (knee) remains sidelined, while wing-back Jid Okeke had to go off injured and was replaced by Vincent Harper, who is likely now to keep his place.

"I think he got a knee to the back, I think he's fine, just got a big knee to the back," Sadler said at the end of the game. "It'll stiffen up on the way home, but I'm sure it will be fine."

Veteran defender Aden Flint will again be a goal threat - the giant centre-back having doubled his tally for the season to seal Walsall's progression after Kanu had opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

"Deliveries from Evo (Evan Weir) are always on the money so it gives us a chance," said Sadler. "I am delighted for Flinty and it was a good time to score just after half-time. It took away any potential comeback."

And in midfield, Sadler has several options to call upon - with Brandon Comley, Ryan Finnigan and Courtney Clarke having started on Sunday, with Jamie Jellis and Charlie Lakin coming off the substitutes' bench in the second half.