Two of League One's mid-table teams from the 2022-23 campaign are set to meet on Saturday in the opening fixture of the new season as Shrewsbury Town host Cheltenham Town.
The hosts managed to finish five points above their opponents last season and will be aiming to kick on further up the league table this time around.
Match preview
© Reuters
Shrewsbury Town had a mixed season in their previous campaign with inconsistencies proving to be a major problem for them after 17 wins, eight draws and 21 defeats.
This stopped the team from progressing in the division, which is something that needs to be worked upon this season if they want to kick on further into the top half.
Shrewsbury Town did win the bulk of their matches at home, and that is something they will be aiming to repeat this time around, focusing on making New Meadow a fortress.
However, the Shrews have failed to win a single game throughout pre-season which is something that Matthew Taylor will need to try and change as soon as possible.
Taylor's men have not been firing on all cylinders when it comes to the attacking side of the game, scoring no more than one goal in each fixture to this point.
Only four teams scored fewer goals than Cheltenham Town last season as well, with two of those being relegated, making this a clear area to improve.
The visitors also struggled defensively last season, though, which is something the Shrews will be hoping to take advantage of on Saturday.
Out of their seven pre-season matches Cheltenham Town have only been defeated once, which should have developed plenty of confidence and self-belief into the team.
The club have also been busy bringing in several new faces with the likes of Curtis Thompson and Oliver Hammond being brought into the fold.
- W
- L
- L
- D
- D
- D
- W
- W
- W
- L
- D
- D
Team News
The hosts have recently managed to sign experienced full-back Mal Benning, but it remains to be seen whether he will slot straight into the team or if his debut will be delayed after he has had more training sessions under his belt.
Daniel Udoh could be in contention though after he celebrated his return to the team with a goal, putting his knee injury behind him.
Aidan Keena has been a real goal threat throughout pre-season for the visitors, and he should be leading the line in this fixture to try and continue that form.
Wade Elliot will likely look to feature new signing Liam Smith as well, with the experienced defender bringing plenty of quality to the defensive side of the team.
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Marosi; Anderson, Feeney, Flanagan; Winchester, Shipley, Perry, Kenneh, Bayliss; Bowman, Udoh
Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Southwood, Smith, Bradbury, Horton; Freestone, Williams, Sercombe, Bonds; Olayinka, Keena, Street
We say: Shrewsbury Town 1-2 Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town may have finished lower than their opponents last season in the league, but they have been putting in strong performances throughout pre-season so far.
Shrewsbury Town did put together an impressive run at home in the 2022-23 campaign, and that should lead to this being a closely contested match.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
