Shrewsbury vs Fleetwood Preview: EFL League One 1 January 2023
The first League One game of 2023 sees Shrewsbury host Fleetwood at Montgomery Waters Meadow. Shrewsbury will be optimistic of a good start to the year after finishing in 11th place last season, while Fleetwood’s recent form has been well below expectations.
Recent Form
- Shrewsbury: The Shrews have had a mixed bag of fortunes so far this season. After a 12-game unbeaten streak through November and December, results have been more inconsistent of late and Shrewsbury have especially struggled in front of goal, with just one goal in their last four matches.
- Fleetwood: Fleetwood have been enduring a mini-slump of late, losing two and drawing one of their last three matches. This can partly be attributed to an injury crisis at the back, but whatever the cause, Fleetwood have drastically dropped off from the form which saw them sitting at the summit of the league just a few weeks ago.
Team News
- Shrewsbury: Defender Keith Hill is set to return from injury for the home side, as well as strikers Joe Grayson and John McAuley who are both expected to start.
- Fleetwood: Fleetwood have four first team players missing through injury, including centre-backs Craig Morgan and Ashley Eastham. Manager Graham Alexander is expected to recall Ryan Taylor and Nathan Pond in defence to help shore up the back line.
Prediction
Despite Shrewsbury’s recent poor form in front of goal, they still have the advantage of home court and they’ll be eager to start the year off with a win. Fleetwood’s recent run of form has been poor and they may struggle to cope with a patched-up defence.
Shrewsbury 2-1 Fleetwood