Shrewsbury vs Liverpool preview, predictions & team news
Shrewsbury face Liverpool for only the second time in their history when the two sides meet on Sunday in the FA Cup Fourth-Round.
The League One outfit will be hoping for a better outcome after losing 4-0 to the Reds way back in 1996, also in the FA Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s side are heading for their first league title since 1990 and could make a number of changes for this one.
FA Cup fever has captured Shropshire with the game set to be a sellout and a bouncing atmosphere will help make this a memorable occasion for Shrewsbury supporters whatever the outcome.
Here’s our preview, predictions and team news ahead of this intriguing fourth-round match-up.
When is Shrewsbury vs Liverpool and where can I watch live?
Competition: FA Cup Fourth-Round
Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow
Date: Sunday, 26 January 2020
Kick-off: 5:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): Live on BBC One and online via the BBC website.
Last five games: Shrewsbury
18 January 2020: Fleetwood 2-2 Shrewsbury (League One)
14 January 2020: Shrewsbury 1-0 Bristol City (FA Cup)
11 January 2020: Shrewsbury 1-1 Lincoln (League One)
07 January 2020: Doncaster 2-0 Shrewsbury (League One)
04 January 2020: Bristol City 1-1 Shrewsbury (FA Cup)
Form: DWDLD
Last five games: Liverpool
23 January 2020: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
19 January 2020: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United (Premier League)
11 January 2020: Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
05 January 2020: Liverpool 1-0 Everton (FA Cup)
02 January 2020: Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield United (Premier League)
Form: WWWWW
Ones to watch
Shrewsbury: Aaron Pierre
As defenders go, there are none more imposing than Shrewsbury’s Aaron Pierre. The former Northampton man has been excellent in the heart of the back three this season for Sam Ricketts’ side and has been attracting interest during this transfer window due to his performances.
With Liverpool likely to dominate possession, the Shrewsbury backline can expect a busy afternoon so Pierre and co will need to be at their best if there is to be an upset in this one.
Key stat: Aaron Pierre has completed more clearances (129) in League One this season than any other Shrewsbury Town player.
Liverpool: Harvey Elliott
Liverpool’s rising star has been excellent in domestic cup competitions this season for the Reds. He will likely be given the chance to shine again when Klopp’s side travel south to Shropshire.
His ability on the ball and vision are superb for a player still only 16-years of age and if he continues to develop as expected, Elliott will soon be a player known worldwide. He should play a big role on Sunday as he has done throughout both Liverpool’s League Cup and FA Cup campaigns so far this season.
Key stat: Harvey Elliott is the youngest player to ever play in both the League Cup (15 years 174 days) and the Premier League (16 years and 30 days).
Team news
Shrewsbury
📋 | Your Town starting 11 that is set to face @LFC #Salop pic.twitter.com/wtnxhYxda6
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) January 26, 2020
Liverpool
🔴 TEAM NEWS 🔴
Our #EmiratesFACup line-up to face @shrewsweb… #LFC | #FACup https://t.co/KA4A8MIPpO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2020
Predictions
Shrewsbury often play a defensive style of football which, against Liverpool, could be quite dangerous given the talent available to Klopp. However, the visitors may not have it all their own way, with Liverpool to win and both teams to score available at 17/10*.
The Reds have made several changes and Divock Origi is one man who will be determined to make his mark and stake a claim for regular game time. The Belgian is available at 7/2* to score the opening goal at New Meadow.
*Odds provided by William Hill. You have to be 18+ to gamble. For more information, go to GambleAware.org
