Two teams at opposite ends of the League One table will come together on Tuesday night as automatic promotion-hunting Wycombe Wanderers host bottom-of-the-pack Shrewsbury Town.
The hosts are third in the league standings, only three points outside the automatic promotion places, while the visitors are bottom of the table, 14 points adrift of safety.
Match preview
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Wycombe Wanderers had gradually been slipping down the League One table since their relegation from the Championship in 2020-21, placing sixth in 2021-22, ninth in 2022-23 and 10th in 2023-24.
However, the Blues have had an extremely strong 2024-25 campaign to date and are currently in the fight to secure an automatic promotion to the second division, as Wycombe sit third in the table and just three points behind second-placed Wrexham.
Despite the challenges they have faced this term, including long-term manager Matt Bloomfield‘s departure to Luton Town, Wycombe have consistently been in the race for a top-two finish, and they are in a strong position heading into the final fixtures of the season.
Sam Grace briefly stepped in as interim manager – winning two and drawing two of his four matches – followed by Mike Dodds being appointed on a permanent basis, though the new boss has only recorded four wins from his first 10 games, alongside three draws and three defeats.
Those results, including a disappointing 1-0 defeat to promotion-rivals Wrexham, have seen Wycombe drop out of the top two, but the Blues do hold a game in hand over the second-placed side.
The hosts are heading into this one aiming to maintain their strong momentum, with back-to-back wins in their latest outings, as they aim to secure their automatic promotion, and they are certainly the favourites for a victory on Tuesday.
Their opponents, Shrewsbury Town, are sat rock bottom of the League One table with only 28 points from 38 league fixtures – from seven wins, seven draws and 24 defeats.
The Shrews trail safety by a significant 14 points, and with only 24 points left to play for, their relegation looks all but confirmed, though they will still be hoping to avoid ending the campaign with a whimper.
Michael Appleton took charge of the side for the first time in their recent 4-1 defeat to Birmingham City, with Paul Hurst and Gareth Ainsworth both leaving the club throughout this term.
Appleton will be looking to take his first victory as manager on Tuesday, aiming to build momentum leading into next season, but with Shrewsbury having the worst record of any team in the league when away from home, they are certainly the underdogs coming into the clash.
Team News
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Richard Kone has had a sensational season for Wycombe Wanderers, boasting 18 goals in 34 league appearances, and the striker is likely to start ahead of Cameron Humphreys and Adam Reach in attack.
Elsewhere, following back-to-back victories – 3-2 against Rotherham United and 1-0 against Lincoln City – Dodds could decide to name an unchanged starting team on Tuesday.
As for Shrewsbury Town, a miserable 4-1 defeat to league leaders Birmingham City in Appleton’s debut in charge of the club may mean the manager makes several changes for this one.
Captain John Marquis is likely to retain his place in the team, though he may move into the midfield behind Vadaine Oliver after the striker came from the bench to score their only goal in that defeat.
Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Norris; Low, Bradley, Taylor; Grimmer, Simons, Scowen, Leahy; Humphreys, Reach; Kone
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Blackman; Wheeler, J Feeney, Pierre, M Feeney, Benning; Gilliead, Shipley, Marquis; Lloyd, Oliver
We say: Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 Shrewsbury Town
Wycombe are undoubtedly the favourites heading into this clash, and given the huge contrast in quality and performances this term, we expect a comfortable win for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
