Peterborough United vs Walsall - EFL Trophy preview

Walsall have reached this stage of the competition for the first time since famously finishing runners-up under Dean Smith in 2015.

The current EFL Trophy campaign has provided those on the fringes with an opportunity to take centre stage, with most notably Sam Hornby and Danny Johnson seizing their rare chance in the spotlight.

Johnson has scored twice in the competition this term, including a vital last-gasp equaliser in the previous round against Reading. Hornby played a key role too, with a trio of saves in the penalty shoot-out. 

And Sadler feels that everyone within the squad is capable of playing their part in every competition. 

He said: "(It's a chance) for Danny and loads of the others but we want to win the games and go after the next game. 

"So everyone comes in wanting to win the next game which is how we want to approach Tuesday night. Obviously I recognise that when you're not starting it can be tough. 

"It's not nice and you want to play but what we've got is a group of lads that are just desperate to do well and play their part. 

"We have to harness that and keep it going. That's our job."

Peterborough lifted the trophy last season after beating Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 at Wembley in April but have struggled in League One in recent months. 

A run of seven defeats in nine league games has seen them plummet into 20th-place and to within just five points of the drop zone. 

Meanwhile, Walsall sit 12 points clear at the League Two summit having set a club record run of eighth consecutive league wins in their 5-1 rout over Tranmere Rovers at Bescot on Saturday. 

Walsall will also be buoyed by their strong track record against League One opposition, with just the single defeat in seven games across all cup competitions this term. 

And Sadler is hoping his side can continue to compete on all fronts and move one step closer to Wembley.

He continued: "I want to get through to the next round of the competition because I know there's some real amazing times to be had in that competition. 

"I've had them, I've shared them and I want more for us and our lads." 

Sadler hinted last week that Josh Gordon could be involved in some capacity after spending the past four months on the side lines with a hamstring injury. 

New signing Nathan Asiimwe, who joined on loan from Charlton Athletic last week, is cup-tied after featuring for the Addicks in the group stage. 

Walsall will also embark on life without League Two top scorer Nathan Lowe following his recall from Championship outfit Stoke City. 

Elsewhere, Ronan Maher is edging closer to a return from his ankle problem but is not expected to be involved. Jack Earing (also ankle), George Hall (hamstring) and Priestley Farquharson (thigh) remain long-term absentees.