Shrews can cruise to another trophy victory

Kick-offs from 7.30pm Tuesday

Shrewsbury v Walsall

Surprise Sky Bet League One leaders Shrewsbury are showing no sign of slowing down and should maintain their perfect start to the EFL Trophy with victory over Walsall.

Shrewsbury were priced up as relegation candidates at the start of the campaign but a run of just one defeat in 16 league games has made a mockery of those quotes and tells punters they are a force to be reckoned with.

Shrews have yet to taste defeat from their ten matches at New Meadow, where only Blackburn have escaped with a point, and their stubborn defence make life tough for visitors.

Paul Hurst’s men have conceded just three times on home soil - they have won their last five matches to nil - and their 5-0 thumping of National League Aldershot in Saturday’s FA Cup suggests they will take the challenge seriously.

Shrewsbury have won their opening two EFL Trophy tussles at Coventry (3-2) and at home to West Brom U21 (3-0) and may not have to improve to sink the Saddlers, who have won just two of their ten away matches this term.

The hosts are also fortunate not to be in league action this weekend - their clash with Charlton has been postponed due to the international break - which should tempt Hurst to field a strong starting line-up.

Recommendation
Shrewsbury
2pts 21-20 Betfred, Hills, Sky Bet

Gillingham v Reading U21

Gillingham have little to cheer about in Sky Bet League One but they have blossomed in the EFL Trophy and can make it three wins from three by beating Reading U21.

The Gills sit third bottom in the third tier but to their credit are improving under Steve Lovell, who has suffered just one defeat from five matches since taking over the reins.

The hosts beat Southend 2-1 in their opener before winning 1-0 at Colchester and given their form has since moved to a new level, they should have little trouble seeing off the winless Royals.

Recommendation
Gillingham
1pt 7-10 Betway

Lincoln City v Notts County

Lincoln have won their opening two EFL Trophy encounters and can make it a clean sweep by beating Sky Bet League Two rivals Notts County at Sincil Bank.

The eighth-placed Imps trail leaders Notts County by nine points in the league but top the charts in their EFL Trophy section and have lost just one of their ten matches on home soil this term.

Notts County are winless in three road matches and could find a lively Lincoln, who have scored five times in recording their opening two wins over Mansfield and Everton U21, too determined.

Recommendation
Lincoln
1pt 13-10 general

Bet on these matches at Soccerbase.com

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