Two teams battling at the bottom of the League One standings will clash on Tuesday, as foot of the table Shrewsbury Town take on Bristol Rovers.
The hosts are 24th with 27 points from 34 games, while the visitors are one spot above the drop zone in 20th with 35 points from 33 matches.
Match preview
© Imago
Shrewsbury Town’s 10-season stay in the third division of English football is at risk of coming to an end come the conclusion of this term.
The Shrews are positioned at the foot of the table after 34 games played with only 27 points, from seven wins, six draws and 21 defeats.
Gareth Ainsworth, in charge from November 2024 after the departure of Paul Hurst, has been unable to turn their fortunes around since joining, with five wins, four draws and 10 losses in his 19 games in charge.
They are heading into this one having failed to win any of their last five, including four successive defeats, leaving them desperately in need of a win if they are to start moving towards safety.
There may be no better chances for the Shrews to secure all three points and move closer to safety than this, as they face a Bristol Rovers side also fighting for survival.
The Gas are 20th in the League One standings with 35 points from 33 games, after 10 wins, five draws and 18 losses, leaving them just two points above the bottom four.
The visitors have similarly experienced a losing run heading into Tuesday’s fixture, suffering defeat in all of their last three, leaving them also in need of a streak-snapping victory.
A win could see them extend the gap over the bottom four to a healthier six points, and they may be confident as they have beaten Shrewsbury Town in two of their last three meetings.
Team News
© Imago
The hosts will be without captain John Marquis for this outing after the striker received a red card after just 13 seconds against Peterborough United – an EFL record.
George Lloyd is likely to remain up front in his absence, potentially joined by 33-year-old Vadaine Oliver.
As for the visitors, despite suffering defeat to Rotherham last time out, an encouraging performance could see a similar team named here.
Promise Omochere returned to the side for his first appearance since January in that match, and the striker could play ahead of Chris Martin in attack.
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Blackman; M Feeney, J Feeney, Pierre; Hoole, Ojo, Gape, Benning; Perry; Lloyd, Oliver
Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Ward; Hunt, Wilson, Swinkels, Sousa; Ward, Butcher; Sinclair, Hutchinson, Sotiriou; Omochere
We say: Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Bristol Rovers
Both teams are enduring difficult losing streaks heading into this one, but with the visitors enjoying a strong recent record against the Shrews, we expect a victory for the Gas.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
