Shrewsbury v Peterborough preview
Monday 23 April 2018 16:41, UK
Shrewsbury plan to experiment when Peterborough visit in League One ahead of an almost certain play-off bid.
Last Saturday's draw with relegated Bury, in which defender Omar Beckles returned from suspension, saw the Shrews slip seven points behind second-placed Blackburn with three games to play. Town have a number of undisclosed knocks to assess, while Shaun Whalley was absent with an injury sustained against Charlton and could be out again.
Forward Stefan Payne (groin) was an unused substitute against the Addicks and missed the game with Bury, while defender Junior Brown and midfielder Abumere Ogogo are long-term absentees.
Playmaker Marcus Maddison could return for Peterborough after missing the last three matches with an ankle injury. Defender Steven Taylor returned from suspension against Blackburn and should continue, but Ryan Tafazolli appears unlikely to play again this term due to a hamstring issue.
Ninth-placed Posh are six points adrift of the play-off places with three games to go, and boss Steve Evans has demanded they finish with a flourish. "If we can't make the play-offs, I want us to finish seventh," Evans said. "We will try and win these three games and see where it takes us."
Opta stats
The Posh have won seven of their last nine league games against Shrewsbury (D2), although their last visit to the Shrews ended in a 1-1 draw last season.
Shrewsbury have only kept one clean sheet in their last 26 league outings against Peterborough - a 2-0 win in September 2005.
Shrewsbury have only won one of their last five league games (D2 L2).
Peterborough have both scored and conceded in a league-high 29 different League One games this season.
