We look ahead to Saturday's visit of the Bluebirds
Following last weekend’s Shropshire Senior Cup win at Market Drayton, we return to base for our first pre-season friendly which is against Cardiff City. The Bluebirds haven't been swamped with new players this closed season but those that have signed have premiership pedigree. Sammi Ameobi has signed on loan from Newcastle United. The 23 year old brother of Shola has a fair few first team appearances under his belt for the Magpies and also had a spell with Middlesboro, during which he scored against his new club.City have also secured the services of young Arsenal defender Semi Ajayi who was on loan at Cardiff toward the end of last season. He didn't play for the Cardiff first team at the time but he is a highly rated player and Russell Slade has obviously seen something he likes in Ajayi as he made the move a permanent one.
The Bluebirds kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw away to conference side Forest Green Rovers. City took the lead through Joe Mason but they missed a penalty shortly after and were eventually pegged back to the draw. Cardiff used two different XI's, one in each half but as he wasn't used in either half, Sammi Ameobi will make his début at Greenhous Meadow.
A quick look back at the last few seasons reminds us that it was only one season ago that they graced the top flight and a little further back they were losing finalists in both cup competitions.
Prices
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions for the Cardiff game and it is pay on the day.
Prediction
It's a friendly game so the result isn't all that important compared to what we can learn about ourselves as a unit. I'd like to see all the new players, which is likely, and how they fit in with the rest of the team. This game may provide hints to how we're going to play this season and I'm sure that many will be keeping an eye out for that. Goal-wise I'd like to see lots of them, mainly from us but it's always nice to see the opposition conjure something good in friendly games. If we do have to suffer the opposition scoring, let’s keep them entertaining.
Shrewsbury Town 2 Cardiff City 2
COYB
Marcus Braddock
Don't forget, this game starts at 2pm and not the usual 3pm.
If you can’t make the game, you can keep up to date with all the goings on at Greenhous Meadow by using ShrewsWall!