Mansfield-born Clarke has seen his side win their last four all-competition outings believes the Class of 92-backed outfit, who have won just one of their opening ten League Two matches since earning promotion from the National League, will find their feet and must be respected.
The Saddlers have won four on the bounce and arrive at this weekend's clash on the back of a midweek EFL Trophy - Southern Group D victory over Southampton Under-21s and in search of another welcome pressure-easing win.
Speaking via the club's official website, Darrell said; "I think they'll be a team challenging in the top ten of this division.
"You look at the personnel they have in the team and squad, with an experienced manager, In don't think they'll be far away even though they might not be pleased with the start they've had.
"The conference is the hardest league to get out of bar none and to do it the way they did it last year is a massive pat on the back for themselves, the owners and the manager.
"It'll be a tough game, they've got good names in the squad and I'm sure they'll be picking up results sooner rather than later, but hopefully not Saturday."