Sam Ricketts previews Town's Sky Bet League One clash with Oxford United.
Shrewsbury Town next face Oxford United at the Montgomery Waters Meadow in the latest Sky Bet League One fixture.
The Shrews will be looking to make it consecutive wins with a result over the U’s after Sam Ricketts’ men secured all three points against Bristol Rovers.
Sam is expecting a tough test from the away side but feels Town’s full week of training will put the team in good stead.
“Training has been good,” said Sam. “It’s only the second time we have really been able to fit in some training time. We have tried to rest, recuperate and get some decent work into the players to get them ready for Saturday.
“We look at what the best form of recovery will be for the players. They have played a large number of games so we look at everyone individually and collectively as a group. We still have to make sure they hit the intensity levels set in training.
“The staff will start to look at the opposition as soon as the last game finishes. What we decide filter across to the players starts on Thursday and Friday really. We start to touch base on a few key elements of the game.
“They are also a side who struggled after an FA Cup run. They did really well when we played against them last time and were on a great run. They dropped off around FA Cup time with all the replays.
“They are back on the winning trail and have won a number of games on the bounce - they are starting to find their groove again.”
Sam notes Town Oxford have a number of threats but feels Salop have enough to impose themselves on the game.
“They try to move the ball and the opposition around,” said Sam. “They try to get their key players in dangerous areas. They have Matty Taylor who is a very, very good forward. They fire good service into him from the wide areas.
“James Henry has good ability and has done well this season. He has good experience and a good understanding of the game. He's good with his right foot, whether that’s crosses, free-kicks or penalties. He’s got that quality that is certainly needed at the top end of the pitch.
“We identify what the opposition's strengths are and then we focus on ourselves. We look at how we can impose ourselves on the game and be on the front foot. The squad are ok. Unfortunately, we still have injuries and we can't do anything about that.”