Tranmere will look to continue their rich run of form as they host Newport County this week; looking to pull away from the rest of the promotion contenders in League 2.
Saturday’s 3-1 away win at Leyton Orient puts Keith Hills’ side in fourth, with potential to close the gap on Cambridge with two games in hand and within a point of the automatic promotion places.
Rovers return to Prenton Park having won 7 of their last 11 in the league with as they look to inflict more damage on a Newport side plagued by inconsistency.
Despite being two weeks away from the Papa John’s Trophy final, Tranmere need to sustain focus on their league campaign. Promotion is still very much on the cards.
Team News
Keith Hill is expected to start a similar team to the one that easily dispatched Leyton Orient at the weekend, who ultimately parted ways with manager Ross Embleton after the final whistle at The Breyer Group.
No new injuries occurred so Hill remains in good stead to deploy his usual 4-3-3 system.
Kaiyne Woolery put his Tranmere tally up to double figures on Saturday. He is expected to start again, operating as a wide forward but using his versatility and pace to create chances.
James Vaughn put in a strong shift at the weekend, undeterred by his brace against Carlisle, the number 9 is also expected to feature.
George Ray was unfortunate to not retain a first clean sheet since the cup semi-final but is encouraged by his partnership with fellow centre half Peter Clarke.
Speaking to the clubs official website post match he said:
“It’s great playing with him [Clarke] because he is always in the right position and telling you what to do because of the experience he’s got and the amount of games he’s played.
“I’ve always worked hard and been professional off the pitch and now I’ve got my chance it’s good to be back playing.”
Opposition
Newport were held to another frustrating stalemate against Stevenage at the weekend.
Once again a lack of killer instinct in front of goal has really damaged their hopes of League One football next season.
Despite struggling with a lack of end product, the state of the pitch at Rodney Parade is Exiles manager Michael Flynn’s biggest concern.
Gavin Foxall, the Newport Chairman made a formal approach to the league’s governing body to examine the possibility of moving some of their remaining matches.
A meeting is expected to take place on Thursday.
Flynn’s priority should still be taking all three points from Prenton Park.
Currently sixth in the league but one league goal in their last three, the Exiles need top scorer Tristan Abrahams to rediscover his eye for goal in order to take anything back to Wales.
One eye on the Cup Final?
Tranmere mustn’t get distracted by their trip to Wembley in just under a fortnights time. While the players need to continue to perform in League 2.
Regardless of the players attitude, fans of The Super White Army are certainly entitled to get excited.
Sunderland is just two weeks away [March 14th] and a dip in form before the showpiece in the Capital could be detrimental.
The Wembley final is due to be played behind close doors, in line with current Government coronavirus restrictions, however, Tranmere are offering ‘virtual’ tickets to raise more money for the club.
Their request to move the final date in order to allow up to 10,000 supporters in was denied earlier in the week.
Sunderland have already raised over £70,000 and other clubs such as Marine during their FA Cup run benefited from the togetherness of their respective fan base and local community to raise money in such uncertain times.
Working in the community
With all the money that Tranmere have raised they want to give back.
A Crowdfunder account was set up to help people combat food poverty, mental health issues and isolation.
It is refreshing to see supporters wanting to help their local area in difficult times, with an aim of raising £10,000 before the kick off on March 14th.
In return for your donation you can choose to receive an e ticket or a personalised commemorative ticket printed and delivered.
A link to support the initiative can be found below:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/tranmere-rovers-wembley-virtual-tickets
