THE CHALKBOARD

MICKY Mellon isn’t a manager who is easily second -guessed as the Shrews’ boss is not afraid to alter his formation on a game-by-game basis.

Having already beaten the drop in League One this season, Mellon could give some of his fringe players and youngsters a game against Swindon Town this weekend.

His preference has been to deploy two holding midfielders in front of the back four for added protection, with three more attack-minded players behind a lone striker.

The Shrews will feel the absence of top-scorer Sullay Kaikai, who has returned from his loan to Crystal Palace.

Kyle Vassell is likely to be recalled to lead the line at the County Ground but with the striker not having scored since December, the Town defence should fancy their chances of keeping a rare clean sheet.

Swindon Advertiser:

Shrewsbury chief Micky Mellon

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

A MAN IN FORM: ABU OGOGO

WITH loanee striker Sullay Kaikai having returned to parent club Crystal Palace, Abu Ogogo takes the accolade of Shrewsbury’s star performer.

Ogogo was honoured with the club’s players’ and supporters’ player of the year awards earlier this week after a strong season in the Shrews midfield.

The 26-year-old is always tough in the tackle and has bundles of energy, which sees him go from box-to-box for a full 90 minutes.

Former Arsenal youngster Ogogo provides a useful screen in front of the defence and his main job is to win the ball back and distribute to the Shrews’ flair players to let them create chances.

Ogogo arrived at Greenhous Meadow from Dagenham & Redbridge last summer and should he play against Town, it will be his 50th appearance for Micky Mellon’s men.

Swindon Advertiser:

The Shrews' Abu Ogogo (right) battles with Manchester United's Ander Herrera in the FA Cup earlier this season

TREATMENT ROOM

SHREWSBURY boss Micky Mellon may decide against risking goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler against Swindon Town, with his side’s League One survival already secure.

The Shrews’ number one pulled a muscle in his back prior to the match at Peterborough last Saturday and was forced to drop down to the bench.

Mark Halstead stepped into Leutwiler’s shoes and although he was a tough day for him against the Posh - Shrewsbury lost 4-3 - he will likely get the nod again this weekend.

Ian Black is suspended for the trip to Wiltshire after he was sent off against Peterborough.

Junior Brown is also out of the match against Town with a knee injury suffered in the defeat at home to Wigan at the start of April, while fellow left-back Micky Demetriou has also missed the last month of the season with a similar complaint.

Swindon Advertiser:

Jayson Leutwiler​ (in yellow)  

OPPO FORM GUIDE

  • Sat, Apr 16

Skybet League 1

1-1 Draw v Bradford (h)

  • Tue, Apr 19

Skybet League 1

2-1 loss v Sheff Utd (h)

  • Sat, Apr 23

Skybet League 1

3-2 Win v Gillingham (a)

  • Tue, Apr 26

Skybet League 1

2-1 loss v Walsall (a)

  • Sat, Apr 30

Skybet League 1

4-3 loss v Peterborough (h)

GOALSCORERS

Sulley Kaikai: 12

Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro: 7

Shaun Whalley: 7

DISCIPLINE

Ian Black: 13Y, 2R

Nathaniel Knight-Percival: 10Y, 1R

Junior Brown: 9Y, 1R