Preview: Shrewsbury Town vs. Forest Green Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Following a run of seven defeats in eight games, Rovers sacked manager Ian Burchnall on Wednesday, with the club sitting four points from safety at the foot of the table.

Match preview

Shrewsbury left it late to claim all three points against MK Dons in midweek, as Tom Bayliss scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute, taking his tally for the season to six goals in all competitions.

After beating Burton Albion 4-0, Steve Cotterill's men thrashed Cambridge United 5-1 last weekend, but they were made to work hard for their third consecutive league win, proving that they can grind out a victory in testing circumstances.

It is worth noting, however, that Shrewsbury endured a four-game losing run before securing three straight wins, which highlights their struggle for consistency throughout the campaign.

In fact, the Shrews have not registered a draw since early November, winning six and losing six of their previous 12 matches across all competitions, while they have only drawn two of their 14 home league clashes this term.

Having recorded six wins and six losses at New Meadow this season, Shrewsbury cannot afford to take Forest Green lightly on Saturday, regardless of their contrasting fortunes.

When Rob Edwards departed Forest Green after guiding the club to promotion last year, it was always going to be difficult for his successor to take up the reins and make Rovers a competitive force in the third tier.

Inevitably, the new manager has paid the price for the team's poor record this season, with Burchnall receiving his marching orders following last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.

Burchnall can have little complaint about the dismissal, as Forest Green have failed to win any of their previous eight games across all competitions, suffering seven damaging defeats in the process.

When you look at the bigger picture, Rovers have managed to win just five of their 28 league outings this term, and they find themselves rock bottom of the League One table with the joint-worst offensive record in the division.

As it stands, FGR have not appointed a new manager and will head to New Meadow under the stewardship of the coaching staff, although owner and chairman Dale Vince will be looking to appoint Burchnall's successor as quickly as possible.

Shrewsbury Town League One form:

L

L

L

W

W

W

Shrewsbury Town form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

W

W

Forest Green Rovers League One form:

L

L

L

D

L

L

Forest Green Rovers form (all competitions):

L

L

D

L

L

L

Team News

Cotterill has named the same starting XI for the past three games and is expected to field an unchanged side on Saturday, given that Shrewsbury have scored 10 goals and conceded just once since their last defeat.

Centre-back Chey Dunkley and left-back Luke Leahy have started every League One game for the Shrews this season, while goalkeeper Marko Marosi has kept seven clean sheets in 25 league outings.

At the opposite end of the pitch, top scorer Christian Saydee has bagged seven goals and two assists this term, so he will partner Crystal Palace loanee Robert Street in attack this weekend.

Forest Green are still without injured centre-back Jordan Moore-Taylor, who hasn't featured since early December, meaning Baily Cargill, Brandon Cooper and Udoka Godwin-Malife should continue to make up the backline.

Following a string of poor results, Rovers are likely to shuffle the pack this weekend, with the likes of Kyle McAllister and Jordon Garrick pushing for a start.

Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:

Marosi; Pennington, Dunkley, Flanagan; Moore, Winchester, Leahy, Shipley; Phillips; Street, Saydee

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:

Doohan; Godwin-Malife, Cooper, Cargill; O'Keefe, Hendry, Stevenson, Robson; Peart-Harris; March, Bakayoko

We say: Shrewsbury Town 3-1 Forest Green Rovers

Shrewsbury look destined to extend their winning streak to four games when they host Forest Green, whose last victory came all the way back on December 10.

Given that Rovers have scored in five of their last six games, Shrewsbury could struggle to keep a clean sheet on Saturday, but the hosts are expected to outscore the visitors with ease.

Previews by email