Opposition report: Karl Robinson's slow-starting Salford City

Karl Robinson’s team sit in 18th place, with just one win in their last six and are coming into the tie after a 1-1 draw in Crewe.

It’s been a disappointing year for the Ammies who appointed the former Oxford manager in January in hope of turning the 23/24 season around, but they finished below the Robins in 20th place.

The new season has been below standards too, as they’ve struggled to pick up form and could easily drop down the table on Tuesday if results don’t go their way.

But what can Town expect?

Salford setup

It’s a 3-4-1-2 setup for the hosts and they look like a team who are trying to play quick passing football but just can’t get it to click. Unlike Doncaster, they don’t utilise their wingbacks for width as their aim is to overload the midfield and use their ability in the centre of the team to try and create problems. Their main outlet is typically the attacking midfielder behind the two strikers, who’s role is to free roam with either Kelly N’Mai or Ben Woodburn best suited to that position. Goals are a clear problem as they’ve scored the second lowest amount in the division and despite dominating games, they can struggle to finish their chances.

Charlie Austin in the tie last season (Image: Andy Crook)

Counter attacks is a huge issue for the Ammies as they seem to be at their most vulnerable in transition from attack to defence. When hit on the break, their structure and midfield becomes disorganised, meaning Swindon must be willing to counter quickly on Tuesday.

In the dugout

Robinson is the man in charge and he is a very experienced manager in EFL football, having won 294 games in his post-playing career. His most successful spell came at MK Dons, where he gained promotion to the Championship and registered a huge shock in the Carabao Cup with a 4-0 win against Manchester United in 2014.

Since the later stages of his time at Oxford, his career may not have gone as hoped. After just under five years at Town’s arch-rivals, he was sacked and found himself at Salford a year later. His aim was to improve their league position but it has not worked out whatsoever with a 28.6% win percentage to his name.

Key players

City have brilliant quality for this level and have an experienced squad with names such as Cole Stockton, Curtis Tilt, Jamie Jones and Luke Garbutt. Despite the quality and experience, young-guns such as Stephan Negru and N’Mai have been standout players this campaign.

Negru, on loan from Oxford, is a strong ‘old-school’ defender. His tries to replicate his game model on Chelsea legend John Terry, but is struggling with his technical ability but that will only get better as he is 22. N’Mai is a versatile and creative player with the skill to either play as a wingback, winger or attacking midfielder. He loves to run at players and is fearless. He is yet to get master the finishing aspect of his game but his close ball control and speed can cause trouble.