Shrewsbury begin life back in League Two with a tricky clash against Bromley who are embarking on their second EFL season.
Shrewsbury are beginning life back in the fourth tier following their relegation from League One at the end of last season, whilst Bromley seek to build upon their 11th-placed finish of last season in their debut campaign at this level.
Team News
Loanee, Elyh Harrison is a doubt for Shrewsbury after he suffered a foot injury in their 2-2 friendly draw against Burnley last weekend.
Tom Sang and Ricardo Dinanga are both minor doubts due to knocks but Max Mata is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Bromley will be without right-back, Carl Jenkinson after he suffered a dislocated hip in their 2-1 friendly defeat to Millwall.
When is Kick-Off?
Shrewsbury host Bromley at New Meadow on Saturday 2 August at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports + in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Shrewsbury’s first-ever competitive meeting against Bromley.
- Bromley are making their first competitive visit to Shrewsbury’s New Meadow.
- Callum Stewart has scored four goals in pre-season for the Salops.
- Bromley kept just one clean sheet in their nine pre-season friendlies (W5, D2, L2).
Prediction
Defending was Shrewsbury’s biggest issue in League One which they seemed to have addressed with the signings of Tom Anderson, Will Boyle and Sam Stubbs, which Sam Clucas and Tom Sang add extra experience in midfield for a team who have had a decent pre-season.
Bromley meanwhile feel unpredictable coming into this game because whilst their attacking firepower in pre-season has been awesome, their defence continues to be their Achilles heel and is my main concern because they need to cut out sloppy errors if want to improve this season.
Nevertheless Bromley’s attack should trouble Shrewsbury’s defence if can bring their pre-season momentum into this season-opener, but the Salops will be up for this in their first home game so I expect a tough but entertaining battle between two strong teams.
I however do feel that Bromley’s attack might be too much if they can get the first goal.
Prediction: Shrewsbury 1-2 Bromley
Result: Shrewsbury 0-0 Bromley