Walsall manager Dean Smith has admitted that it seemed unlikely that his side and near neighbours Burton Albion would be involved in a top-of-the-table clash in League One.
Last season, Walsall finished in mid-table while Burton were claiming the League Two title, but on Saturday, the two clubs meet at the Banks's Stadium with both clubs looking to strengthen their position in the automatic promotion places.
The 44-year-old told BBC WM: "Nobody would have predicted that would be a top-of-the-table clash on international weekend.
"We know that, if we win we go above them and that makes it even more exciting. Everybody knows it's the two top clubs at the moment in League One.
"It's a real tough one though. We know that. Jimmy's done tremendously well to get them up there and carry on the momentum through from when they won promotion last season."
Walsall need maximum points on Saturday in order to move past Burton in the standings.
Darren Plant
