Salford and Shrewsbury set for an open contest in FA Cup replay

Expect goals in Moor Lane showdown

Salford striker striker Adam Rooney has fired in 15 league goalsCredit: Getty Images

FA Cup first-round replay
BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Wednesday

The fact that Salford's owners are former Manchester United stars was probably enough to guarantee live TV coverage of their FA Cup replay with Sky Bet League One Shrewsbury, but with City flying high in the National League and the Salop outfit struggling, it's safe to anticipate another close affair.

Salford's profile has gone through the roof since they were taken over by Gary Neville and some of his Old Trafford chums, but their football is doing the talking as well and a place in the Football League could be within their grasp.

A 2-1 reverse at Sutton United was their last defeat in the league and striker Adam Rooney has fired in 15 league goals since his move from Aberdeen - he bagged a hat-trick in Saturday's 4-0 win over Aldershot.

However, Salford's opponents have a new-found optimism that was missing when the original tie took place on November 11.

That proved to be the last game of Dave Askey's short managerial spell as he struggled to live up to Paul Hurst's achievement of taking Shrewsbury to last season's playoff final.

While there was plenty of talk that Hurst could return after his spell at Championship Ipswich came to a shuddering halt, results have at least improved with former goalkeeper coach Danny Coyne at the caretaker helm.

Victory over Crewe in the EFL Trophy was followed by Saturday's come-from-behind league win over Rochdale, so while a visit to Moor Lane might have seemed a daunting prospect immediately after the first game, they should approach the task in more confident mood.

Bookmakers are struggling to separate the teams - gone are the days when non-league hopefuls were made up of butchers, bakers and candlestick makers.

But it should prove to be an open encounter and don't be misled that Shrewsbury have scored just seven league away goals this term. There could be a few goals.

Recommendation
Over 2.5 goals
2pts 17-16 188Bet

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Salford
The Ammies could be unchanged following their 4-0 victory over Aldershot on Saturday.

Shrewsbury
Winger Shaun Whalley is continuing his recovery from a calf injury.

Key stat
Each of Shrewsbury's last nine games have featured at least two goals.