Walsall-born Keates, who watched as his side suffered their second league defeat of the season at home to Accrington Stanley at the weekend, believes that the Shrews, who finished last season in a surprise third position, are playing much better than the league table suggests.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Dean said; "If I am honest, the games I have seen of them so far this season – the league table doesn’t reflect where they should be. They have had a few things go against them.
"They conceded in the last minute again against Gillingham on Saturday. It’s going to be difficult game, it’s a derby and we will make sure our lads are up for it.
"We will see what Shrewsbury’s strengths are and what their weaknesses are. And all being well we’ll put a game plan together to get three points."
When asked whether the Saddlers are looking to copy the Shrews and reach the Play-Offs at the end of the season Keates insisted that he doesn't want to compare the two teams, and is just looking to get to fifty-two points as soon as possible.
He continued; "We don’t want to compare ourselves to anyone. The main aim is to get ourselves to 52 points as quick as we can.
"We were disappointed we dropped points against Accrington but we now have a chance to put that right against Shrewsbury."