softfootball.com match preview
Crawley Town will be looking to end a dismal five-game losing streak when they host Shrewsbury Town at Broadfield Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are desperate for points as they aim to claw their way up the League One table.
Match Preview
Crawley Town is under new management, with Rob Elliot stepping in to replace Scott Lindsey, who departed for MK Dons. Unfortunately for Elliot, he has yet to turn the tide, suffering defeats in his first two matches in charge. His tenure began with a narrow 1-0 loss to Wycombe Wanderers, followed by a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy, despite a commendable fightback from his team. The Reds currently sit in 21st place in League One and are desperate to secure their first league win since mid-August.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Town is also searching for a revival after a string of poor performances, which has seen them win just one of their first 10 league matches. They found themselves drawing 2-2 with Bolton Wanderers in their last league outing, relinquishing a two-goal lead. Their situation worsened in the EFL Trophy, where they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Birmingham City. Paul Hurst’s side is currently languishing in 22nd place, three points adrift of safety, and will be eager to turn their fortunes around against Crawley.
Historically, Crawley has had the upper hand in recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in their last five encounters with Shrewsbury (two wins, three draws). A win for Crawley could breathe new life into their season, while Shrewsbury is aiming for their first away league win since March.
Team News
For Crawley Town:
Crawley’s goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott is on international duty, while Eddie Beach and Ryan Sandford are both injured. This has led to the emergency signing of Connal Trueman from Millwall, who is set to make his second appearance. Defender Joy Mukena will need to be assessed after leaving the pitch early in the last match against Wycombe.
Possible Starting XI:
Trueman; Mullarkey, Barker, Flint; Forster, Ibrahim, Williams, Kelly; Quitirna, Darcy; Swan
For Shrewsbury Town:
Paul Hurst will be without midfielder Jordan Shipley due to an Achilles injury, and striker Joshua Kayode remains sidelined with a calf issue. Hurst is likely to make several changes from the EFL Trophy defeat, with players like Mal Benning, Jordan Rossiter, Funso Ojo, and George Lloyd pushing for a starting role.
Possible Starting XI:
Savin; Winchester, Nsiala, M. Feeney, Benning; Rossiter, Ojo; Gilliead, Castledine, Sagoe Jr; Lloyd
Both teams are struggling for form and confidence, making this matchup difficult to predict. With the stakes high for both Crawley and Shrewsbury, a draw seems the most likely outcome, as they cancel each other out in search of a vital point.
Final score prediction: Crawley Town 1-1 Shrewsbury Town
