Morecambe will be looking to enhance their chances of League One survival when they face Shrewsbury Town at New Meadow on Saturday afternoon.
Having claimed a solitary victory in their last eight games, Morecambe find themselves one point inside the relegation zone, while Shrewsbury sit nine points shy of the top six following a run of seven wins in 11 outings.
Match preview
Shrewsbury secured six successive wins across January and February, kicking off their hot streak with a 4-0 victory over Burton Albion and a 5-1 thrashing of Cambridge United.
However, Steve Cotterill's men have managed to win just one of their five matches since then, recording two draws and two losses to take five points from a possible 15.
After beating Wycombe Wanderers 2-1, Shrewsbury played out a 2-2 draw with Derby County before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Peterborough United on Wednesday, so they will be eager to end a two-game winless run this weekend.
The Shrews can take confidence from the fact that they have won each of their last four home matches, with six victories coming in their previous eight encounters at New Meadow.
When you look at the bigger picture, Shrewsbury have claimed nine wins across their past 14 home league games and have scored at least two goals in each of those victories, putting them among the division's strongest teams on home soil.
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Morecambe head into Saturday's clash on the back of successive draws with Bolton Wanderers and Cambridge United, meaning that Derek Adams's men have lost just one of their past four matches.
That said, the Shrimps have only managed to win one of their previous eight league outings, with three draws and four defeats keeping them inside the relegation zone after 35 games.
Only Lincoln City have registered more draws than Morecambe this season, while only bottom club Forest Green Rovers have picked up fewer victories, so it is clear that Adams's side must start turning draws into wins in order to steer clear of the drop zone.
It is worth noting, however, that Morecambe have claimed a solitary victory in 17 away league outings this term, recording five draws and 11 losses in the process.
Having taken a measly eight points from a possible 51 on their travels – conceding 33 goals along the way – the Shrimps will struggle to enhance their reputation on the road against a Shrewsbury outfit with one of the best home records in the league.
Team News
Shrewsbury Town are still without long-term absentees George Nurse and Daniel Udoh, with the injured duo last featuring for the first team back in September.
Captain Luke Leahy has contributed 10 goals from midfield this season, while Tom Bayliss has racked up seven goals and six assists following his move from Preston North End.
Leahy will continue to operate behind Bayliss, while Bournemouth loanee Christian Saydee – who has bagged seven goals and three assists this term – will likely partner Tom Bloxham in attack.
Having missed the past two games, Burnley loanee Michael Mellon is not expected to feature in Morecambe's matchday squad on Saturday.
On a brighter note, Cole Stockton returned to action last week and should lead the line again at New Meadow, with Ashley Hunter, Daniel Crowley and Jensen Weir supporting the lone striker.
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Marosi; Pennington, Dunkley, Flanagan; Pyke, Winchester, Leahy, Moore; Bayliss; Saydee, Bloxham
Morecambe possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Love, Rawson, Simeu, Melbourne; Shaw, Gibson; Crowley, Weir, Hunter; Stockton
We say: Shrewsbury Town 3-1 Morecambe
Given Morecambe's struggles on the road, this clash provides playoff-chasing Shrewsbury Town with the ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.
The Shrews have netted at least two goals in each of their previous nine home league wins, putting them in a strong position to notch another high-scoring victory at New Meadow.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Ben Morris
