Shrewsbury v Exeter

It’s been a miserable start to the campaign for Shrewsbury Town. The bookies had them as one of the favourites for relegation before a ball was kicked, and they have done little to change those for the better since the season began. Paul Hurst’s side have registered just two wins from their first 11 league games, with a couple of draws taking their points tally to eight. The Shrews currently languish in 21st position.

The visitors, Exeter City, come into the game defying pre-season predictions of a relegation battle by sitting seventh in the League One table. The Grecians are unbeaten in four league games during which they have not conceded a goal, winning three and drawing one.

They come into this game following a 12 day break due to international call ups. The hosts’ did not get the weekend off, but did record a much needed victory away at fellow strugglers Crawley Town.

⭐ Shrewsbury v Exeter Best Bets

Despite the gulf between the two sides in terms of league positions, the underlying data suggests the two teams may be more closely matched than the table suggests, with OPTA’s expected 

In terms of League One attacking numbers, these two sides rank worst and second worst for shots on target per game. They also boast two goalkeepers in Toby Savin (Shrewsbury) and Joe Whitworth (Exeter) with positive goals prevented rates.

Baring those things in mind, it seems a good bet here would be under 2.5 goals. This has occurred in six of Exeter’s nine league games, and in Shrewsbury’s last three home league games.

👕 Shrewsbury v Exeter Predicted XI

🔍 Shrewsbury v Exeter Key Players

🔵 Malvind Benning

The switch to a wing back system suits left sided player Mal Benning perfectly. Benning has created 3 goals for his teammates this season, which puts him in joint 3rd position overall in League One.

He’s yet to score this season but quite often has a pop from range, having scored some fantastic goals over the years. His boundless energy up and down the left hand side will be one of Shrewsbury key threats.

🔴 Joe Whitworth

As referenced in an earlier section, Joe Whitworth has had a fantastic start to the season between the sticks for Exeter. The Crystal Palace loanee has prevented 6.5 goals according to OPTA, the highest total in the whole EFL.

When you consider Exeter have almost double (16) their expected points total (8.5), and that they’re only very marginally overperforming their xG for, the England youth international must be noted as a key reason for Gary Caldwell’s side current league position.

📂 Shrewsbury v Exeter Cheat Sheet

We offer a variety of top-notch football predictions here at Andy’s Bet Club. All season long we will be providing EFL acca tips and EFL Anytime Goalscorer predictions, alongside plenty more EFL betting tips throughout the weekend.

We have shots on target predictions, both teams to score acca tips, card betting tips and fouls betting predictions at your fingertips too, but if you prefer a bigger punt see our 100/1 Mega Acca tips and early kick-off acca tips.

💻 Shrewsbury v Exeter Form and Tactics

Exeter have a settled formation which shouldn’t change for this one. They play with three centre backs and wing backs. In front of the centre backs is a double pivot midfield. At the other end of the pitch, two attacking midfielders operate either side of a lone striker.

The away sides early season success has been built on a solid defensive foundation, with their five wins and one draw all being accompanied by a clean sheet, the joint second highest tally of clean sheets in League One. Six of their ten goals have resulted from set plays.

Despite lining up for the majority of the season in a 4-2-3-1, Salop have recently benefitted from a change to 3-5-2, taking four points from the last six available, although they did benefit last time out from the opposition being reduced to ten men. Although they have scored seven goals in their last two league games, I’m not convinced they have suddenly become a dangerous attacking team.

🏁 Shrewsbury v Exeter Ref Watch

• Referee: David Rock
• Has awarded 29 fouls per games in League One this season, the second highest total
• Averages 5.75 yellow cards per game this season
• Averages 0.25 red cards per game this season

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.

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