Prediction: Shrewsbury vs Birmingham

Verdict: Birmingham win 

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking for an immediate response when they return their attention back to EFL Trophy action on Tuesday night, Birmingham will travel to Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury

Starting with the hosts, while Shrewsbury might have eventually clung to their League One status last season, Paul Hurst’s men have another major battle on their hands this time around. Suffering a second-half collapse over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate away at Bolton, the former Southend boss finds his squad pencilled in as a leading third-tier relegation contender. Opening October with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Stockport, the Shropshire-based outfit have now collected just a pair of points from any of their previous six League One appearances. Getting proceedings underway on August 10th with a 1-0 loss against Stevenage, Hurst’s side have registered just a single win in 90 minutes from any of their first 13 matchups.

Team News

While Carl Winchester might have once again missed out away at Bolton over the weekend, Shrewsbury are hopeful that the former Sunderland defender will be able to feature here. However, still dealing with a recent calf injury, Joshua Kayode remains on the sidelines and will not play any part at New Meadow.

Arriving from Arsenal over the summer on a season-long loan switch, 20-year-old Charles Sagoe could get some more minutes under his belt on Tuesday night. Despite still waiting to open his account, ex-Portsmouth striker John Marquis could keep his spot leading the line.

Birmingham

As for the visitors, eventually falling to a 1-0 loss away at Charlton over the weekend, there is no doubt that Birmingham are seeking an immediate response on Tuesday night. Nevertheless, despite being left frustrated in south London on Saturday afternoon, the Blues are still leading the chase at the top of the League One table. Really flexing their financial muscle over the summer, it is no surprise that Chris Davies’ men are pencilled in as a landslide favourite to secure an immediate Championship return this year. Despite watching their four-match winning run come to an abrupt end, the midweek guests should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Landing a 2-0 victory when they travelled to New Meadow for a friendly battle on July 20th, Davies will certainly be calling on a similar display.

Team News

Still sidelined with an ankle injury and not set to future for the forceable future, one-time Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird will not travel to New Meadow. Playing the whole 90 minutes away at Charlton over the weekend despite speculation over a minor knock, South Korea international Seung-Ho Paik could be handed a rest.

Despite still waiting to open his Birmingham account after arriving from QPR over the summer, Lyndon Dykes should be handed a start in midweek. Likewise, completing a permanent move from Brighton during the transfer window, Marc Leonard could be recalled.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Birmingham travelled to New Meadow for a friendly contest back on July 20th, the Blues collected a 2-0 victory.
• Despite suffering a shock 1-0 loss against Charlton over the weekend, Birmingham have won each of their other eight showdowns against League One opposition.
• Shrewsbury have collected just two points from any of their previous six League One appearances.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s hosts have registered just a single win from any of their first 13 appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
• Three of Birmingham’s previous four appearances have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Watching their purple patch come to an abrupt end over the weekend following that shock 1-0 loss away at Charlton, Birmingham are certainly seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, still leading the chase at the top of the League One table, the Blues should be smelling a real opportunity here. Claiming a 2-0 win when they travelled to Shrewsbury for a pre-season showdown over the summer, we are backing a similar outcome on Tuesday night.

Verdict: Birmingham win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet