Swindon must separate themselves from the relegation zone with a win against Shrewsbury

In a game that could well and truly show which side is up for a relegation fight, Swindon host Shrewsbury Town, both desperate to create a gap between themselves and the four relegation spots.

Saturday sees one of the biggest games in Swindon Town’s campaign as a visit from Shrewsbury could further unravel their season and send them closer to the relegation zone.

With the League One season stuttering, with Swindon being only one of three sides to have played 26 or more games, they sit just a point outside the four relegation spots. It is vital the side start putting together some form.

Following the heights of being crowned champions of League Two just eight months ago, the side hasn’t performed and been able to make the step-up required to be establish themselves at League One level.

With just seven wins all season, John Sheridan’s side must make it clear they will be putting up a fight to stay in the division. The side has failed to put together any real form all season, with wins being few and far between. The fact that they haven’t been able to win two games in a row, is undoubtedly a concern.

However, this is something that can be changed in this game following Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Wigan. A fixture which saw a sending off for Dion Conroy, the club’s captain.

A major loss for Swindon in the window was the departure of Diallang Jaiyesimi to fellow League One side Charlton, who are at the polarising end of the division. However, the Robins dropped into the loan market and made five signings, all accrued from Championship outfits.

Conor Materson, Dominic Thompson, Mark Travers, Jordan Garrick and Tyrese Omotoye, all joined in the window and Sheridan will be hoping these youngsters will be able to help spearhead the club’s charge to safety.

Shrewsbury on the other hand, have seen a major dip in form and will be hoping to get back to the form in which the club saw in the month of December after winning four and drawing three.

However, Shrewsbury remain without boss Steve Cotterill, who is still recovering from his bout of COVID-19, which has kept him hospitialised in recent weeks. Unsurprisingly, Salop have seen a dip in this form that saw them beat Hull, Lincoln and Doncaster, all away from home. Now winless away from the Montgomery Waters Meadow stadium since the 22nd of December, it is crucial they begin to recapture that form that saw the side pick up 15 out of a possible 21 points.

While the Shrews sit only three points above Swindon, it is noticeable that the cancellation of fixtures could be a massive reason in the drop of form. Games against Sunderland, Crewe Alexandra, Oxford United and the reverse fixture at home to Lincoln all were called off.

If the reverse fixture of the game is anything to go by, the game should be a cracker, the sides played out a six-goal thriller in November and saw Shrewsbury throw away a two-goal lead twice in the game.

The game had six different scorers which saw Marc Pugh of Shrewsbury given Man of The Match following his two assists, and Salop fans will be hoping to see another goal-fest but this time to come away from the Swindon Stadium with all three points. A feat that hasn’t been achieved since 1995.

 

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