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The League One clash between Shrewsbury Town and Exeter City promises to be a pivotal contest for both teams. Taking place at the Croud Meadow on 17th October 2024 at 8:00 PM UK time, this match holds significant importance for the two sides, each with contrasting aspirations for the 2024-25 season. Shrewsbury Town will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this campaign, hoping to ease their relegation fears, while Exeter City looks to extend their unbeaten run and consolidate their position near the top of the table.

For Shrewsbury Town, this is more than just another fixture; it represents a chance to break free from the danger zone of League One after a tough start to the season. They come into this game on the back of an enthralling 5-3 win over Crawley Town, where forwards John Marquis and George Lloyd starred with two goals each. This victory ended a seven-game winless run and brought much-needed relief for Paul Hurst’s men. Currently sitting 21st in the table, they are level on points with Northampton Town, who occupy 20th place and are out of the relegation zone.

Exeter City, on the other hand, has been enjoying an impressive run of form. After a narrow defeat against Blackpool, they have gone five games unbeaten across League One and the EFL Trophy, a stretch that has seen them score eight goals and concede none. Despite their match against Mansfield being postponed due to international call-ups, Exeter still sits comfortably in seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Stockport County. A win on Thursday could see them edge closer to the playoff positions, a spot they are keen to challenge for after two mid-table finishes in recent seasons.

Team Analysis

Shrewsbury Town:
Shrewsbury’s season has been a struggle thus far, as they find themselves near the relegation zone with only two wins from their first 11 matches. The victory against Crawley will have injected some confidence into the squad, but defensive frailties remain a concern, having conceded three goals in that game. Manager Paul Hurst will be keen to tighten up the defence and build on the attacking momentum from last week.

Shrewsbury’s primary threat comes from the in-form duo of John Marquis and George Lloyd. Both strikers were crucial in the win over Crawley, and their partnership up front will be key to unlocking Exeter’s well-organised defence. With Funso Ojo and Jordan Rossiter expected to continue their partnership in midfield, Shrewsbury will need to improve their possession play to control the tempo of the game.

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However, Shrewsbury’s defensive struggles, as seen in their recent 4-0 defeat to Birmingham City in the EFL Trophy, will be a concern. The centre-back trio of Josh Feeney, Aristote Nsiala, and Morgan Feeney will have to be at their best to contain Exeter’s attacking threats.

Exeter City:
Exeter City has been one of the more consistent teams in League One this season. Their recent form, particularly in defence, has been outstanding. They have kept five consecutive clean sheets in League One, and the return of key centre-back Tristan Crama from illness further solidifies their defensive structure. With Crystal Palace loanee Joe Whitworth between the posts, Exeter’s backline has been difficult to breach.

Offensively, Exeter will look to their emerging talents such as Sonny Cox and Josh Magennis to lead the line. Ryan Woods, who scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Cambridge United, will again be crucial in midfield, providing a balance between defence and attack.

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The Grecians will be buoyed by memories of their last visit to Croud Meadow, where they won 3-0 in March 2024, helped by an early red card for Shrewsbury’s Jordan Shipley. Exeter will be aiming to replicate that success and maintain their push for a playoff spot.

Head-to-Head:
In recent encounters, Exeter City has had the upper hand over Shrewsbury Town. The most recent meeting at Croud Meadow saw Exeter claim a 3-0 victory, and they will be looking to extend that dominance. Overall, Exeter has been more consistent in their head-to-head results, particularly with their solid defensive performances.

Prediction: Given Shrewsbury Town’s defensive vulnerabilities and Exeter City’s robust form, it seems likely that Exeter will continue their unbeaten run. Shrewsbury will take heart from their recent win but may struggle to break down an Exeter side that has not conceded in five games.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Shrewsbury Town 1-2 Exeter City

• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. Shrewsbury’s recent attacking form, particularly with Marquis and Lloyd, suggests they could find the net, but Exeter’s resilience at the back means they will limit Shrewsbury’s chances.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over. With Shrewsbury’s leaky defence and Exeter’s attacking efficiency, the game is likely to see at least three goals.
• Hot Stat: Exeter City have kept a clean sheet in their last five League One games, making them one of the top defensive teams in the division.

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