The South Yorkshire club, who are unbeaten in eleven home league games, rose into the Play-Off places after beating Bristol Rovers 4-1 in midweek - bringing a seven game winless run to an end and boosting their hopes of playing in the Championship next season.
It might not be all plain sailing for Rovers however as - despite the Saddlers losing their last three outings - the Saddlers have enjoyed strong awayday form against their Northern opponents and head into this weekend's clash having won on all five recent visits to the Keepmoat.
Despite their strong spell against Rovers, Saddlers manager Keates is still anticipating a tough test – but insists his side will also make things difficult for their hosts, with every point becoming crucial as he seeks to drag his team out of the relegation zone.
Speaking via the club's official website, Dean said; "They are the surprise package of the season. The manager of the season has been announced but in my opinion that is a few weeks too earl.
"Grant has done a magnificent job ever since he took over in pre-season. He has not had much to play with but he’s moved things around as well as he can and he has got an unfancied team within touching distance of the Play-Offs.
"If they end up in there and go on and win it, he is manager of the season. They are a good team. He asked for a reaction and he got that against Bristol Rovers. They try and pin you in your own half and play in the game in the opposition’s half. It is going to be a test for us but we’ll make sure it’s a test for them as well."