WALSALL boss Darrell Clarke reckons it will be survival of the fittest in the hectic League Two schedule.

His Saddlers arrive at Valley Parade on the back of an 11-game unbeaten league run stretching back to last season.

They are yet to taste defeat this time following Saturday’s goalless home encounter with Exeter – Walsall’s fourth draw out of six.

But with games now coming thick and fast, Clarke feels it will come down to which clubs can cope the best with such a full-on programme.

He said: “What I will say is, and I’ve said it to my players, there’s going to be so many games in this six-month spell.

“It’s going to be the ones that apply themselves and look after themselves.

“The best squads are the ones that can handle it better. Have a mixture and freshness at the right time.

“Making sure that the players know their jobs when they come into the side.”

Walsall did add two young Championship strikers to their squad on transfer deadline day. Adan George and Jake Scrimshaw could both come into the reckoning for the City game.

“We’ve added two centre forwards and we’re really thankful of Bournemouth and Birmingham because of the financial situation,” said the Saddlers manager.

“For those to allow two of their good prospects (to join Walsall) is testament to the good side of football.

“We’re pleased to freshen up the front line, it gives us a few more options.

“(Elijah) Adebayo and (Caolan) Lavery are top centre forwards for me but we need something behind them with Josh injured. You need that depth in your squad.”

Saturday saw only the third clean sheet during Walsall’s unbeaten run.

Clarke added: “Probably the biggest disappointment for me on the back of the last week is that it should have been seven points really.”