"Last year the 10-point deduction didn't help them but this year there's no real excuses," he told BBC WM.
"They're on a level playing field and with their budget and the squad they have I'd expect them to go up."
Lancashire has re-established himself in the Saddlers first team after a faltering start to his Bescot Stadium career, and he is determined not to be easily displaced this time.
His experience and his age will definitely help me and the other youngsters out
Oliver Lancashire on Andy Butler
"I started the first few games for the team, but for whatever reason Clayton (McDonald) came back in.
"Since then there's been a lot of players coming in, coming out, but for the last few games I've been happy playing with Andy Butler.
"It's good to have people like that around, he's been there and done it so to speak. His experience and his age will definitely help me and the other youngsters out."
The 22-year-old defender is another product coming off the conveyor belt at Southampton's prolific academy, and Lancashire remains proud of his time there.
"Obviously Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott are the main superstars if you like, but there's a lot of players throughout the Football League who have come through the Southampton academy," he said.
"That was the main thing for Southampton a few years ago, to produce their own youngsters."
Manager Chris Hutchings could also have strikers Reuben Reid and Jon Macken back in contention against the Saints.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport