By Albatross
October 4 2002

Back to back away games for Pools over the next two weekends, and first up it's a visit to Gay Meadow to take on Shrewsbury. Albatross marks your card for what may turn out to be an interesting contest, including the Rodgers-Westwood rematch! Shrewsbury currently sit 18th in Division 3, a position that is a surprise to many of us who were expecting them to be challenging at the other end of the table. The Shrews just haven't got into a run of good form at any point during the campaign; they have yet to string two wins together. In fact they have won just three times - two at home - and drawn three times. Their last win was at home to Orient on 7th September, and their last home game saw a 5-2 mauling at the hands of Bristol Rovers.

Injuries have played a part for Shrewsbury, but it's looking like Kevin Ratcliffe is going to have close to a full squad to pick from against Pools; the only absentees are likely to be Steve Jagielka and Sam Aiston, both of whom are out with long-term injuries, and veteran defender Mick Heathcote.

If there was anything that let Shrewsbury down last season, when of course they were pipped for a Playoff place by Pools on the last day of the season, it was their discipline. A number of sendings off and suspensions to key players - three reds in the two games against Pools alone - certainly didn't help them, although for a while it seemed that until they went down to 10 men they didn't start playing! This season has been a bit different, with none of the Shrewsbury players having received his Marching Orders, although they have picked up 24 bookings in their 12 competetive matches this season.

Notable by his absence from the list of those booked though is Luke Rodgers. One of the main offenders last season, he seems to have decided to let his boots do the talking and has netted eight times, depite missing a couple of games through injury. He is likely to renew his acquaintance with Chris Westwood, and after the shenanigans at the Vic last season it will be interesting to see how both players respond. Both will want to put one over on the other, the question is will this be settled using fists, boots, or (preferably) footballing ability!

Nigel Jemson is the other main scorer so far with five, but beyond those two players the Shrews have scored just four goals this season. This is despite having experienced midfielders like Ian Woan and Mark Atkins - who has been filling in at the back recently - and if Pools can keep the front two quiet then the goal threat from elsewhere is minimal.

At the other end, Shrewsbury's defence definately looks vulnerable. In their 11 league games they have conceded 21 times, and their big weakness seems to be one of Pools' strengths up front: pace and mobility. Comments made by one or two Shrews fans on their Message Board in recent weeks indicate that Pools likely front two of Eifion Williams and Adam Boyd should get plenty of joy with their pace and close control.

With Marcus Richardson arriving this week, Pools squad looks stronger than ever; and with Paul Smith and Paul Arnison coming through the midweek reserve match all three are in contention for starting slots. Richardson is unlikely to oust Williams and Boyd though, and will probably have to settle for a spot on the bench.

The big question for CT is whether to go for 4-4-2 or 5-3-2. Playing with a back three would allow Jemson and Rodgers to be marked closely, but also limits the opportunities for the return of Paul Smith. The permutations are almost endless: Humphreys, Smith and Robinson could all play as left wing-backs, while Clarke, Arnison and Smith (again) could play on the right. The central three in midfield is a little easier, with Widdrington and Tinkler looking settled, but the third spot could be either Humphreys or Clarke. 4-4-2 might make picking the team a little easier, but then again it means that Jemson and Rodgers are likely to find more space.

I think CT will at least start with 5-3-2, with Humphreys moving into the middle and Robinson and Arnison as the wing-backs. A strong-looking bench would see the likes of Smith, Clarke and Richardson available to come on and allow Turner to change things round in terms of both formation and style of play if things aren't going Pools way.

Shrewsbury may be low down in the table, but this is still a tough test for Pools; Rodgers is looking like one of the best strikers in the lower divisions, and the experience of the likes of Jemson, Woan and Atkins is not to be sneezed at. They may be vulnerable at he back, but the need to keep an eye on Rodgers and Jemson may dictate that Pools have to be a bit more defence minded.

My prediction then is for a 1-1 draw, with Williams getting on the scoresheet.