Prediction Shrewsbury Town vs Walsall 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 02/09/2025

Match preview: Montgomery Waters Meadow set for an intriguing cup clash

The EFL Trophy returns to Shrewsbury on September 2 and Montgomery Waters Meadow will host a tie that promises narrative and nuance beyond the surface. Shrewsbury Town arrive off the back of mixed results in League Two, their recent scorelines painting a picture of a side struggling for consistency. A hard-fought 3-1 success over Chelsea U21 in the EFL Trophy encapsulated their capability to produce attacking moments, but a sequence that includes losses at Notts County and Colchester and a goalless draw with Accrington Stanley underlines defensive vulnerabilities and patchy form. Sam Clucas’ performance in the most recent outing stands out as a rare bright spark in an otherwise uneven run.

Walsall’s momentum and the head-to-head edge

Walsall travel with a clear upward trajectory. Their recent run in League Two reads strongly: wins against Milton Keynes Dons and Salford City and victories away at Barnet suggest a group that knows how to grind results. Myles Roberts earned plaudits for his role in Walsall’s latest victory, and the broader form data shows Walsall have collected seven wins in their last ten matches — a rhythm Shrewsbury have failed to match. The pair’s most recent EFL Trophy meeting ended decisively in Walsall’s favour with a 3-0 scoreline, a psychological edge that should not be underestimated as these clubs meet again in the same competition.

Key angles and what to expect

This tie sets up as a classic contrast: Shrewsbury’s home attacking flashes versus Walsall’s consistent, confidence-driven league form. The bookmakers’ market reflects that balance, skewing slightly towards the visitors; odds suggest Walsall are the more likely winners while a draw and a Shrewsbury victory still offer tempting returns for the bold. Tactically, expect Shrewsbury to push for control at home but to be wary of Walsall’s efficiency on the break and set-piece moments. The latest statistical snapshot shows Shrewsbury capable of creating chances in their cup outings, but their recent defensive record raises questions about whether they can withstand Walsall’s momentum over 90 minutes.

Betting suggestion: Back Walsall to win (1X2). The visitors’ superior recent form, the convincing 3-0 head-to-head in the same competition last season, and the market leaning toward an away victory make Walsall the clearest single-market selection from the available data.