Shrewsburyvs.Wycombe

Meanwhile, bottom side Shrewsbury are already nine points adrift of the league leaders, not helped by another two defeats in succession.

Match preview

Sitting in first place in the table after 18 matches - as well as holding a game in hand - would have been beyond Wycombe's expectations had it been offered to them prior to the start of the season.

However, there is now a tinge of disappointment that they are not further ahead of the chasing pack after successive draws with Exeter City and Reading.

The Chairboys had to scrap hard to earn a share of the spoils versus Exeter, coming from two goals down, before they failed to take advantage of managerless Reading at Adams Park last time out.

Nevertheless, Matt Bloomfield's side have now extended their unbeaten run in the third tier to 16 matches and remain 10 points clear of seventh position.

Their goal now will be to get back on track against the worst team in the division, yet they will be coming face-to-face with their legendary former manager.

Gareth Ainsworth has taken on a mammoth challenge with Shrewsbury who are already nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of the standings.

Although he kicked off his reign with a stunning 3-2 victory over Birmingham City, the Shrews have since lost to Blackpool and Cambridge United respectively.

Letting slip a half-time lead versus Blackpool would have been particularly frustrating, while conceding four times in 53 minutes versus their 22nd-placed opponents would have been concerning.

While Shrewsbury have scored in each of their three fixtures under Ainsworth, they remain without a clean sheet in this division since August 31.

Shrewsbury Town League One form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Shrewsbury Town form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

L

L

Wycombe Wanderers League One form:

W

W

W

W

D

D

Wycombe Wanderers form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

D

L

Team News

Ainsworth will inevitably make changes to his Shrewsbury side with Jordan Rossiter and Leo Castledine both in contention for returns in midfield.

Castledine's introduction could come at the expense of a central midfielder or forward, depending on whether Ainsworth wishes to switch to one in attack.

Joshua Kayode is expected to miss out through injury, but Josh Feeney returned to the squad last time out and may be recalled in central defence.

Richard Kone could be restored to the Wycombe XI in place of Daniel Udoh, who may drop to the bench or switch to a creative role.

Beryly Lubala's goal in the EFL Trophy versus Swindon Town in midweek may be enough to keep him on the left flank.

Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:

Savin; Hoole, Feeney, Ojo, Nurse; Castledine, Rossiter, Shipley; O'Reilly; Bloxham, Marquis

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Ravizzoli; Grimmer, Low, Taylor, Harvie; Bakinson, Morley; Onyedinma, Humphreys, Lubala; Kone

We say: Shrewsbury Town 1-3 Wycombe Wanderers

With Wycombe's run of strong form having been halted in recent games, Shrewsbury will feel that they could have an opening to cause a surprise. However, we can only back the visitors to come through in comfortable fashion to retain their spot in the top two.

Written by

Darren Plant

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