Tranmere vs Shrewsbury - EFL Trophy

The history between Tranmere and Shrewsbury lends this EFL Trophy fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 22, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. He experienced victory in his only Old Firm appearance as a Gers player, but Sunday will be his first taste of the fixture in the dugout.

There is plenty riding on this EFL Trophy encounter for Tranmere and Shrewsbury alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Newcastle had agreed a deal worth £49m for the Switzerland international, who was a breakout star at the World Cup as he scored three goals in their run to the quarter-finals.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Tranmere will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Shrewsbury will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The reigning champions made it four wins from four in the league and are yet to concede a goal in their title defence.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the EFL Trophy standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. It is likely City adopt a more proactive pressing system higher up the pitch in order to exert territorial control on opponents.