- Oldham Athletic are winless in their last five League Two games, drawing twice and losing three times.
- Shrewsbury Town have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five League Two matches, winning their last two home fixtures.
- Shrewsbury’s away record in League Two is 1 win, 1 draw and 4 defeats.
Saluting the Shrews
Oldham Athletic have been poor all over the pitch this season and are in the bottom-half of the table after 13 games, with their 15 points haul only leaving them three better off than 21st-placed Shrewsbury Town.
This Oldham Athletic vs Shrewsbury Town prediction suggests a crucial meeting for both sides looking to escape the relegation zone.
It’s been a miserable start to life for Oldham boss Micky Mellon, who will be keen to get one over on his former club this Saturday, but Shrewsbury have picked up enough momentum in recent weeks to suggest they can at least get something out of the Oldham Athletic vs Shrewsbury Town prediction.
Michael Appleton has brought a more pragmatic and structured tactical approach to the club since being relegated from League One last season and his tweaks have begun to settle the team down, particularly in the last two-game winning streak over Cambridge United and Crawley Town.
Lots of ‘mellon’ involved in this one
While Oldham’s attacking players will be licking their lips at the chance of facing a team who like to build from the back, Shrewsbury’s build-up might just be the perfect remedy to the Latics’ current woes.
The Oldham Athletic vs Shrewsbury Town preview highlights that both teams have favoured back-three formations under their current coaches, but Mellon’s high-risk, high-reward philosophy is more akin to the old-style football than the more measured approach of Appleton.
Shrewsbury have the players to build from the back and will try to do so on Saturday, but Oldham’s press-and-transition style should create enough openings to hurt the away team.
Appleton’s men can nick it
The hosts will be looking to bounce back after poor form, but their away form remains a concern.
Oldham have played some good football at Boundary Park, drawing their last two at home, but their end product is still lacking and their best chance of winning will be to take the game to Shrewsbury and try to pin them in their own half.
There could be a bit more of a cagey game than the bookmakers expect, but home advantage and Oldham’s pressing play should see them edge out a victory. However, the draw is coming in at a pretty good price of 3.35 and, considering neither side are in fine form or scoring many goals, the under 2.5 goals market is our Oldham Athletic vs Shrewsbury Town betting tips recommendation at 1.7.
William Boyle has been Shrewsbury’s most reliable finisher of late, scoring two of their last four League Two goals, but midfielder Sam Clucas is their top scorer (2) and assist leader (3). Mellon is Oldham’s main man, scoring two of his side’s last four goals and three goals in seven League Two appearances.
For the final Oldham Athletic vs Shrewsbury Town prediction, expect a tightly fought match with few goals and either side capable of snatching the three points.
