Stockport County v Shrewsbury Town
Football : England : NPower League Two
Saturday 28th August 2010 – Kickoff 3pm

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Recently relegated from League One, Stockport County entertain visitors Shrewsbury Town at their Edgeley Park home on Saturday, and will be looking to chalk up their first win of the season in their new League Two campaign.

Stockport County (19th)

Stockport County have not made the best of starts with draws at Southend United away 1-1 and 0-0 at home to Wycombe Wanderers, followed by a 3-1 defeat at new boys Stevenage last weekend.

This sees County near the relegation zone in the early stages of the season, but if you recall their home form in last season’s League One, they'll be desperate for a home win sooner rather than later.

For the record, Stockport's home stats were a woeful 2-6-15 21/51, and not surprisingly held the worst home defensive record in the league. They were duly relegated, some 18 points off fellow relegation side Southend United, and a massive 25 points off Gillingham.

Scoring goals was a problem for them last season, and this trend may continue into this season if County are not careful. They have now gone eight games at home without a win, so it seems a good time to back an away side given this slump of form.

Shrewsbury Town (5th)

Shrewsbury Town on the other hand have made a good start this season with a 3-1 opening day win over Bradford City, then a 1-0 win at Macclesfield before drawing 1-1 with Aldershot Town last weekend. The Shots made the play-offs last season so all things considered was not a bad result.

The Shrews away form last season wasn't bad; 7-6-10 25/34 as they finished in a comfortable mid-table position.

Manager Graham Turner has made a few shrewd signings during the summer as defenders Ian Sharps (from Rotherham), Daniel O’Donnell (released by Crewe Alexandra) and midfielder Lionel Ainsworth have been recruited. Turner also possesses vast experience at managing at all levels, and this should stand them in good stead this season.

Paul Simpson, the Stockport County manager, recently voiced concerns about his 'fragile' squad, and this has been evident when they have gone a goal behind.

The Betting Verdict :

With this in mind, and County's poor start to the season with a young, inexperienced squad, I feel it's a good time to back an away team early on in the season.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Pick : Take Shrewsbury Town to win at 2.40