Leyton Orient will be looking to strengthen their playoff push when they square off against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon.
At a time when the home side sit in eighth position in the League One table, 22nd-placed Shrewsbury have kick started their survival bid with a four-game unbeaten run.
Match preview
© Imago
While the top three continue to squabble for positions, Leyton Orient's form in the mid-table spots is going somewhat under the radar.
Richie Wellens's side have collected a remarkable 19 points from their last seven games, ironically only failing to overcome bottom-placed Burton Albion.
Their recent winning run was extended to four games on New Year's Day as they posted a 3-2 victory at Bristol Rovers, establishing a two-goal margin by the 53rd minute and holding on for maximum points.
Orient now sit within five points of the playoffs with one of the best defensive records in the division, with this happening after losing seven of their opening 11 games of the season.
With none of the big three to come until February 8, Wellens will sense an opportunity to move Orient closing to the top six over the coming month.
© Imago
That said, they will be facing opponents who are also on their most encouraging run of form of the campaign with Gareth Ainsworth seemingly now settled at Shrewsbury.
Six points have been accumulated from four matches, the latest of three draws coming courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Blackpool on New Year's Day.
After 14 goals were conceded over a five-match period, Shrewsbury have since shipped just two strikes across their last 270 minutes of football.
As a result, there is now just a five-point gap to 20th place, and Ainsworth will be hopeful that his team can finally start living up to their potential after a dismal first half of the campaign.
Team News
![Diallang Jaiyesimi of Leyton Orient during the Charlton Athletic FC v Leyton Orient FC sky bet EFL League 1 match at The Valley, London, England, United Kingdom, on 17 August 2024 [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/diallang-jaiyesimi.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Diallang Jaiyesimi of Leyton Orient during the Charlton Athletic FC v Leyton Orient FC sky bet EFL League 1 match at The Valley, London, England, United Kingdom, on 17 August 2024 [on August 25, 2024]")
© Imago
With Daniel Agyei having picked up a knock at Bristol Rovers, Charlie Kelman is expected to get the nod in attack.
Ollie O'Neil could also be recalled on the left flank in place of Diallang Jaiyesimi in what may prove to be the only two alterations to the Leyton Orient XI.
Ainsworth may also keep changes to a minimum on the back of Shrewsbury's 1-1 draw at Blackpool.
However, Funso Ojo and John Marquis are both pushing for recalls after playing their part in the comeback at Bloomfield Road.
Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:
Keeley; Galbraith, Beckles, Happe, Currie; Pratley, Brown; Perkins, Donley, O'Neil; Kelman
Shrewsbury Town possible starting lineup:
Blackman; Hoole, M. Feeney, J. Feeney, Pierre, Benning; Bloxham, Winchester, Rossiter, Sagoe Jr; Marquis
We say: Leyton Orient 2-1 Shrewsbury Town
With both teams putting together their strongest run of form all season, this could prove to be one of the games of the weekend. Although Shrewsbury will back themselves to secure at least a point, though, we cannot ignore Orient's streak of victories, leading us to predict a hard-fought three points for the home side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
