Shrewsbury Town’s first home league match of the season is set for this weekend against Barnet. Manager Gavin Cowan is still finalising his squad after a defeat at Tranmere Rovers, and the team’s starting XI is expected to undergo changes.
Sam Stubbs is available again after serving a suspension, but it is not certain he will return straight to the starting lineup. Cowan had previously omitted Stubbs from the Tranmere squad, opting for transfer-listed defender Tom Anderson instead. With Stubbs back in contention, Cowan may restore him to the side.
Luca Hoole has returned to full fitness and completed the full 90 minutes at Tranmere, operating on the right side of the back three. Joe Gbode impressed after coming off the bench, while Jay Turner-Cooke also delivered a bright performance when introduced.
The predicted starting XI, in a 3-4-1-2 formation, is as follows: Brook, Hoole, Boyle, Ruffels; Jude-Boyd, Sang, Turner-Cooke, Berkoe; Fletcher, Davison, Gbode. The substitutes list includes Proctor, Pendleton, Stubbs, England, Gray, Aiston and Lloyd.
Cowan’s selection will be influenced by the recent performances and the need to balance defensive solidity with attacking potency as Shrewsbury prepares to host Barnet.
