Paul Hurst hoping Port Vale players will be tired
Shrewsbury chief Paul Hurst wants his side to ask questions of Port Vale's draining schedule as the rivals meet at Vale Park tonight.
The crunch League One showdown, which could have a say on relegation, sees 21st host 19th – with Vale five points behind but with two games in hand.
But Shrews have the advantage of a quieter week with the Shropshire Senior Cup final, where Town played a second string and academy side, Hurst's only midweek distraction.
Michael Brown's Vale tackle their third game in six days, after last weekend's win over Swindon and Tuesday's loss at Northampton.
"There'll be a couple of changes for them which will help," said Hurst. "I'm sure there'll be some that are playing a third game of the week – that's a big ask.
"I do believe that it can be emphasised depending on how the game's going. If you play well and you're up in the game then I don't think they'll feel as tired.
"If we're playing well, on top and in front then that's when you start to ask questions of people and it's that little bit harder to run."
Salop scored the fastest goal of Hurst's regime last week at Chesterfield as Tyler Roberts netted inside three minutes and Hurst knows a repeat could damage their hosts' spirit.
"You get a little spring in the step, the crowd are right behind you," added Hurst.
