Walsall boss on tonight's clash with Hughes' "fighting" Carlisle United - Iqraa news

Walsall boss Mat Sadler says it is clear that Mark Hughes is overseeing a fighting spirit at Carlisle United.

The League Two leaders visit Brunton Park tonight in a 24th v 1st encounter.

While United are hoping to bridge the three-point gap to the safety line, Sadler’s side are out to enhance their four-point lead at the summit.

The Saddlers head coach said United’s recent results – five points and three clean sheets from their last three games – shows how they are battling for their lives.

“They’re fighting, and credit to them,” said Sadler.

“The new manager has come in, is an incredibly experienced guy of course, who will know exactly what to do to organise their team, and you’ve seen that with them.

“They’ll go after that one [tonight] and they’ll I’m sure have their way that they want to affect the game, as will we.

“It’s just the next one to look forward to.”

Walsall’s formidable record this season has been checked somewhat by a current spell of just two wins in their last nine games.

READ MORE: Hughes on Blues' bid for elusive back-to-back wins against Walsall

They remain well placed, though, for promotion to League One and Sadler said he would not be overreacting to Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Swindon Town.

“It’s normal service – we rest, recover and go after the next game. That’s all anyone can think about at the minute, and that’s certainly all we’re thinking about,” he said in a " target="_blank" class="link"> club interview.

“I certainly won’t be getting too high or up or whatever about that [result] – now we just reset and go after the next game.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t pick up the points we wanted to. We’ll take that into Tuesday.

“If we’d won or drawn the game it would have been about doing the same thing. For us, there’s no unnecessary talking to be done, we’ve got to get focused, get going again and approach the game in the right way, which they will.”

Former United man Brandon Comley, right, is in Walsall's midfield (Image: PA)

Walsall’s side is set to include former United midfielder Brandon Comley, who on Saturday made his 100th appearance for the Saddlers.

“We’ve wanted to build from guys who all of a sudden have 60-70-80 appearances for us, and Brandon comes into that 100 territory,” added Sadler.

“I’m pleased and proud for Brandon. He’s a leader within our dressing room and someone we’re delighted to get a personal accolade.”