Boro could welcome back Chris Holroyd, while Joel Byrom could make the bench

Season so far

Boro welcome Shrewsbury Town to the Lamex hoping a win will see them move into the League 2 play-off places. Boro are currently eighth in the league after their 3-0 win at Barnet last week and, although they have kept clean sheets in their past four games in all competitions, they have also failed to score in three of those matches.

After winning four of their first five matches this season, Shrewsbury hit an inconsistent patch but remain fourth in League 2, five points behind leaders Chesterfield.

On their travels they have lost four of their last six, but with Jake Robinson (nine), Mark Wright (six) and Matt Harrold (five) getting amongst the goals in all competitions this season, Graham Turner’s men have enough firepower to worry any team in the division.

Team news

Boro could welcome back Joel Byrom who has been out since mid-September due to an eye injury. Chris Holroyd should also return to the starting XI after missing the draw with MK Dons because he was ineligible. Stacy Long could make way, while Terry Dixon could keep his place on the bench.

Shrewsbury have defender Ian Sharps back from injury, but he may be kept out of the squad by Exodus Geohaghon (who has already played against Boro this season for Rotherham United). Lionel Ainsworth and Dave Raven (both groin injuries) will both miss out.

Last five fixtures

Boro

Nov 6 (FA Cup) – Stevenage 0 MK Dons 0

Nov 2 – Barnet 0 Stevenage 3 (Mousinho (two), Roberts)

Oct 30 – Stevenage 0 Chesterfield 0

Oct 23 - Morecambe 0 Stevenage 0

Oct 16 - Stevenage 2 (Laird pen, Holroyd) Burton Albion 1

Shrewsbury Town

Nov 6 (FA Cup) – Southampton 2 Shrewsbury 0

Nov 2 – Crewe 1 Shrewsbury 2 (Wright, two)

Oct 30 – Shrewsbury 2 (Disley, Harrold) Barnet 1

Oct 23 – Chesterfield 4 Shrewsbury 3 (Wright, McIntyre, Disley)

Oct 16 – Shrewsbury 2 (Wright, Robinson) Lincoln 0

Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire).

So far this season – 12 matches, 49 yellow cards, one red card.

Last game – Ipswich 0 Derby 2, Nov 9. Six bookings.