Paul Merson is looking for an away day response from his travel-sick Walsall side this Saturday-on their biggest league stage of the season.
Merson's men slumped to a fifth straight away league defeat to Oldham Athletic in front of Boundary Park's lowest crowd of the season on Tuesday night.
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But, from being watched by fewer than 4,000, the Saddlers now face the challenge of a potential 20,000 gate at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest.
Gary Megson's side have won seven out of their last eight league games at home, where they have been watched this season by average crowds of just under 20,000. And, although aware that Forest's formidable home form presents a real challenge, Merson expects a considerable upturn in performance.
"I expected to come away with at least a point at Oldham," he said. "And although it would be easy to say we were unlucky for the way we played over the last 20 minutes, we've got to play for 90 minutes.
"The last 20 minutes wet were running round like blue-arsed flies putting people under pressure and creating chances. But for the first 70 minutes it was like they'd said 'we'll save ourselves in case we got tired'.
"And they don't have to do that. They're a fit bunch of lads. It's a mind thing. Maybe they think they can't play for 90 minutes.
"All I know is I didn't see too many tired legs in our dressing room after the game. Whereas when we beat Doncaster the other week there were people out on their feet.
"I just hope it hurts the lads as much it does me. If it does, then we've got a chance on Saturday.
"My job is to get them going again for Saturday and Forest on Saturday. It is is our biggest game of the season, whatever situation either they or we are in.
"This will be the biggest crowd they'll play in front of unless we go further in one of the cups. And I just wish I could be out there myself.
"They're a home team, winning all their home games and struggling away.
"And I know Gary Megson. He'll want revenge for what happened at the start of the season when we beat them 3-2."
Merson will have to manage without veteran defender Steve Staunton at the City Ground. The calf problem that sidelined Staunton at Oldham will keep him out another week, insists Merson.
And he also has a doubt over on-loan midfielder Eric Skora, who only lasted until half-time after complaining of a sore knee in the pre-match warm-up.
