MARK Hughes is hoping that Walsall will not put up the barricades at Valley Parade like the rest.

Tyreik Wright’s arrival and the return of Dion Pereira has added more attacking edge and pace to City’s options for Saturday’s home game.

But will that encourage Michael Flynn’s Saddlers to sit back in numbers and play for a point like Doncaster and Crewe?

Hughes said: “They are a strong side and we’ll have to be at our best.

“If we play really strongly at the right levels then I think we’ll be difficult for Walsall.

“It depends how they approach it. I think they’re good enough to come and back their own ability to have a go against us.

“But we’ll have to wait and see. Other teams have surprised us in that regard and maybe disappointed us when they’ve come and just parked the bus.

“We’ll have to see what their approach is. We can’t dictate that, it’s about what we do.”

Flynn was appointed Walsall boss in the same week that Hughes took the City hot-seat.

The former Bantams skipper won 3-0 on his last Valley Parade visit with Newport in October 2020.

Hughes added: “He had a really good time at Newport. Obviously I used to keep an eye on the Welsh clubs and he really enhanced his reputation there.

“He’s obviously moved on now and will be wanting to make an impression at his new club. He is a very accomplished manager at this level.

“I’ve met him previously just briefly at a Welsh game so it will be good to catch up with him.”