Match Preview: Leicester City vs. Shrewsbury

Nigel Pearson’s Foxes will be looking to add a first win of what has been a positive start to the campaign for them – securing a point against Everton on opening day before being just edged out by title favourites Chelsea at the weekend. 

City performed well at Stamford Bridge, and kept Chelsea at bay for over an hour before star striker Diego Costa bundled the ball home. Another superstar – Eden Hazard – added a second, but the Foxes did create chances against their illustrious hosts and will be keen to secure a first win of the campaign on Tuesday night. 

They must do so without the services of Matthew Upson (foot), while the duo of Danny Drinkwater (hamstring) and Matty James (shin) may miss out. Jamie Vardy (thigh) could be available, as could Marc Albrighton, who made his City debut from the bench against Chelsea. In-form midfielder Dean Hammond went off with cramp during that game and will be assessed. 

Standing in the way of City’s progress to the third round on Tuesday will be a dangerous Shrewsbury Town side who are unbeaten in league and cup this season. 

Micky Mellon’s outfit currently sit sixth in the League 2 table, having won two and drawn 2 of their opening four fixtures – most recently a 1-1 draw away to Northampton Town. 

Scott Vernon was the hero for the Shrews in the first round, as they took the scalp of struggling Championship side Blackpool at the New Meadow in an impressive 1-0 victory. 

All three of Shrewsbury’s victories this season have come at home, but with confidence high, they won’t want to surrender their unbeaten away record easily, so will certainly be a tough opponent for the Foxes. 

Following a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson said: “We didn’t take our chances when we had them. 

“The players are disappointed because at half time we had shown enough in the first half - we’re a very capable side. 

“Unfortunately we didn’t quite find the right way to get something out of it so I’m disappointed – I think that is the overriding factor. 

“It should give us the knowledge that we are capable of performing very, very well but we’ve got to be able to sustain it over 90 minutes and also continue to put in performances on a weekly basis to give us the best chance of winning games. That’s what we’re trying to do."

After seeing his side secure a 1-1 draw with Northampion despite having 10 men, Shrewsbury Town manager Micky Mellon said: "I am absolutely proud because we had so many things to contend with. 

“Anybody who was here will know what I mean by that. 

"I mean to have been down to 10 men for so long and given the performance we did in front of fantastic backing from our fans. 

"It was disappointing to concede at the very end, but I have got nothing but praise for my lads.” 

Head-To-Head 

City: 4 

Draws: 5 

Shrewsbury Town: 2 

Last Three Meetings 

City 1-1 Shrewsbury Town 

Wednesday 15 March, 1989 

Second Tier 

Shrewsbury Town 3-0 City 

Saturday 29 October, 1988 

Second Tier 

Shrewsbury Town 0-0 City 

Saturday 16 January, 1983 

Second Tier 

A familiar face to Leicester city fans, Academy graduate James Wesolowski will be one-to-watch for the visitors when they arrive at King Power Stadium on Tuesday night. 

The 27-year-old Australian made over 50 appearances for the Foxes since his debut against Cardiff City in 2006 – although a series of unfortunate injuries hampered his early progress with the Foxes.

A tenacious and combative midfielder, Wesolowski won’t let City’s stars have it all their own way on Tuesday night, so they will need to be at their very best if they are to stand any chance of winning the midfield battle.