FA Cup: Walsall vs Charlton Athletic - match preview

The Saddlers boast an unbeaten record against third-tier opposition this season having collected five wins from six games. 

That includes a dramatic stoppage time win over Bolton in the first round of the Cup, earlier this month.

But Sadlers believes those results will count for little when they host a Charlton team which currently sits 12th in League One.

“It’s good to have the evidence behind us but I am very well aware every game is different,” said the Walsall boss. 

“I am fully aware that on any given day we have to be right on top of it. We know what a good team they are. They have proved it time and time again this season. 

“Nathan Jones has proved it before what a good manager he is. It’s good we have the experiences and is a reason to be looking forward to the next game. 

“But it is one we know we have to be right on top of. Hopefully we have another good crowd. We know just what a tough game it is going to be.”

The Saddlers have fond memories of facing the Addicks in the FA Cup, having subjected what were then Premier League opponents to a genuine giant-killing at The Valley in 2002 thanks to a Jorge Leitao double.

Their form across all competitions has been strong this season and they head into the tie unbeaten in nine.

In addition to dumping Bolton out in the previous round, Sadler's men also knocked Exeter City and Huddersfield Town out of the EFL Cup and went on to hold Premier League side Leicester City to a goalless draw at Bescot before eventually bowing out on penalties. 

Meanwhile, Walsall produced a valiant display in their 1-1 draw at Birmingham City in the EFL Trophy and gained an extra point with a shoot-out victory, before easing to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town in their final group game. 

Tomorrow is another day when most of the pressure will be on their opponents but Sadler said: “We set our own expectations on ourselves though, of course we do. It’s a very, very tough game against a team who we all remember being in the Premier League.

“It’s a game where we are really looking forward to challenging ourselves but we are under no illusions as to how difficult it is going to be."

Harry Williams has not been involved since suffering concussion in the previous round but Sadler has confirmed that the centre-back is ready to make his return.

Sadler has treated his recovery with "caution" by leaving him out of the last two match day squads but Williams is expected to be in contention once again ahead of the weekend. 

Elsewhere, Priestley Farquharson (thigh) and Josh Gordon (hamstring) remain long-term absentees and are targeting returns after the New Year.