Opposition Insight: Morecambe FC

SWINDON TOWN look to end August on a high as they host Morecambe at the County Ground. Total Sport Swindon's Rajan Hothi spoke to JPI Media’s Gavin Browne who gave us some insight into the visitors.

How have Morecambe changed their side over the summer transfer window?

Last season's top scorer Aaron Collins and player of the year Zak Mills both left after, turning down new deals. Shrimps' boss Jim Bentley has been busy in the transfer window, bringing in Adam Buxton, Lewis Alessandra, Shaun Miller, John O'Sullivan, Cole Stockton, Michael Howard, Tom Brewitt, Joe Lynch and, most recently, Manchester United loanee George Tanner.

Survival is usually seen to be the Shrimps' aim, is that the same this season? 
 
 As a starting point, yes, but there is the belief this year that Morecambe can improve on last season's 18th-place finish given the attacking quality brought in over the summer.

Lewis Alessandra has impressed so far this season with three goals, just how vital is he to Jim Bentley and co? 

He rejoined the club on a short-term deal over the summer and is versatile enough to play in central midfield or as a number 10 as and when Morecambe's line-up dictates.

What can we expect from this Morecambe side compared to the one which suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the County Ground in March? 

I'd imagine only three or four of the starting XI from that game will start on Saturday. Whenever possible, they like to get the ball down and pass it but they also have players who can roll up their sleeves and battle.

Who will be a 'one to watch' for the clash? 

Probably Lewis Alessandra given his three goals so far, two of which came against Exeter City last weekend. They might have been in a losing cause but were goals that would have graced the Premier League - especially the 25-pass team move for his second goal.

Finally, will it be a case of Morecambe relying on strong home form and picking up the odd point away from home this season? 

Not really. Last season was the first time that Morecambe had strung together three consecutive home league wins since moving to the Globe Arena in 2010. This season, they have taken one point from nine at home but four from six on their travels.