Walsall boss Michael Flynn on Carlisle United ahead of FA Cup clash

The Blues are hoping for another positive away day when they take on the Saddlers in the FA Cup this weekend.

It sees United and Walsall meet just two weeks after they played out a 0-0 draw in the league at Brunton Park.

While Flynn is pleased to be at home in the cup second round, he says Paul Simpson’s Carlisle will be tough opponents again in the wake of last Saturday's 4-1 win at Salford.

“We know Carlisle and what they are about, obviously we have played them recently, the two teams probably cancelled each other out but they are riding high in the table,” said Flynn, speaking in the Express and Star.

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“Paul has done a good job there and the win at Salford will have probably raised a few eyebrows.

“We have hit a good run of home form, coupled with away performances, and we are hoping to continue that into the cup.”

Walsall are unbeaten in six games in all competitions and are in good shape at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

They have won their last five league games on home soil.

Flynn added: “Of course we are delighted to have been drawn out of the hat first because one of the things you would ask for at the start of the draw is a home game

“It should be a good game for the spectators and as I said last week the crowd will help.

“We are hoping for a bigger turnout than normal due to other clubs in the area not playing and the interest gained from it being in the Cup, so hopefully the fans will be our 12th man.”

Walsall’s matchwinner the last times the sides met at the Saddlers’ ground, Jack Earing, believes home advantage can be key for Flynn’s side against the Blues.

The midfielder hopes that can give the hosts an edge against a tough United side.

Jack Earing, second left (Image: PA)

“We want a good FA Cup run not just for us but the fans as well,” Earing told his club’s official channels.

“We know it’ll be a tough game against Carlisle. We obviously played them two weeks ago, and they’re obviously solid and hard to break down.

“[Having played them so recently] doesn’t hinder us. We certainly know what they’re about. They’re doing very well in the league this season.

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“But we managed to get a good point against them. We’ll sit down, look at their strengths and weaknesses and put up against that and see what we can do against them.

“I think being at home gives us that little advantage. We know what a massive boost [the fans] been for us, especially the game on Saturday, they managed to get us over the lime.

“I think it’ll be a good game, an attacking game and hopefully a lot of goals.

“Our home form has been tremendous. And that comes down to our confidence. Early on, we are a bit on and off with games at home, but now we’re going into every home game thinking we’re going to get three points or through to the next round.”