Walsall vs Tranmere Rovers: Mat Sadler keen to shut out the noise as Saddlers chase historic run

Walsall sit 10 points clear at the summit at the midway point after making their best start to a league campaign since lifting the Division Four title in 1960. 

The Saddlers marched on to seven successive wins for only the fourth time in the club's history after coming from behind to beat fellow promotion rivals Notts County 2-1 on New Year's Day. 

Never before have Walsall won eight league games in a row but Sadler's charges will be looking to set a new club record when strugglers Tranmere visit the West Midlands in the lunch-time kick-off. 

But despite the possibility of history beckoning, Sadler admitted that club records have not entered his mind in the build-up to the game. 

"No, not in the slightest," Sadler responded when asked if he has had a glance at the record books. 

"If I am being brutally honest on that note because it's the next game against a team that I know has got some brilliant players. 

"They had a great win last week (1-0 against Carlisle United) so they'll be buoyed by that. 

"Obviously we didn't have the game at the weekend (at Cheltenham) so we're really looking forward to it."

Sadler, who penned a new contract until 2028 earlier this week, celebrated by being named League Two manager of the month for December, while in-form striker Nathan Lowe was voted player of the month.

Walsall also boast the best home record in the division, with a formidable tally of 29 points, whereas opponents Tranmere have picked up the fewest on the road after mustering a mere eight.

Jack Earing (ankle) and George Hall (hamstring) are both expected to miss around "10 to 12 weeks" although Ronan Maher (ankle) is believed to be edging closer to a return. 

Josh Gordon is a strong doubt ahead of the weekend but Sadler has hinted at the possibility of welcoming him back for the trip to Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy next week. 

Walsall will be eager to keep hold of their most prized assets during the January transfer window but Sadler has also reiterated the club's intentions to end the month stronger than they started it. 

Whether that means potential incomings, or simply a continuation of the winning form on the pitch, remains unclear. But the Walsall boss did acknowledge that their position in the table make them a more attractive prospect for potential targets.

He added: "There are certainly more players (willing to sign) who wouldn't have been previously and clubs that are maybe more willing to send us players who maybe wouldn't have been previously. 

"We'll deal with that case by case but we're very clear about where we're at. I want to come out of January stronger than we want into it. I've said that from the start of it but I want be rushing anything."