Walsall v Portsmouth - Match preview

Not that it will mean the boys from the Banks’s can ease up – for Dean Keates’ men may well find that buffer is crucial as the League One relegation dogfight enters the final run-in.

And, starting tonight, Saddlers enter an unenviable run which see them take on four of the top six sides between now and the end of March. After hosting Portsmouth tonight, Saddlers then take on fellow promotion chasers Sunderland (third), Barnsley (second) and Doncaster (sixth) in their next three fixtures.

It’s a run which could prove pivotal in Saddlers’ quest to remain a League One side going into next season. That said, tonight’s visit of Pompey could prove to be a good time to take on Kenny Jackett’s men – who have stuttered themselves with just one victory in their last eight games. That run – which included defeat at Charlton on Saturday as well a previous run of five consecutive draws – has seen Pompey slip from top spot at the end of January, a position they had held since September, to their current fourth position.

And with Walsall’s recent form, striker Morgan Ferrier believes the rising confidence in the Saddlers ranks could be crucial.

The 24-year-old, who scored the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Fleetwood, said: “Confidence is good at the moment.

“We have got so many people fighting for places, every day in training you have got to be on it. As a team we have bonded well and everyone is fighting for the same thing – to do the best for the club.

“We want to make the fans happy, do the best for the gaffer and each other.”

He added: “I think momentum is the main thing in football. At the start of the season, we had it in abundance... that is what we are getting back to now.

“We have got Portsmouth next but instead of being scared of the opportunity the lads are excited for it.”