Tranmere Rovers are hunting automatic promotion when they host Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.
Promotion Picture
The game has huge significance for Tranmere’s aspirations to play in League One. The Whites are currently sitting fourth, just outside automatic promotion.
However, they are level on points with promotion rivals Forest Green Rovers and within striking distance of Cambridge United in second who have played a game more.
Moreover, they are only three points off league leaders Cheltenham Town with ten games remaining.
The battle for the top three spots in League two is tight. There are only five points separating first and fifth place, so there is little room to drop points on Saturday.
Form
Since the crushing defeat to Sunderland in the EFL Trophy final, Tranmere have drawn two and won one of their last three games.
Only Bolton Wanderers and Cheltenham can boast better form in their last eight games than Keith Hill’s side who have taken 17 points in that period.
Mansfield head into the game having drawn their last three consecutive matches.
Injuries
Tranmere look to be without their star striker James Vaughan, who has netted 18 goals in 26 appearances, for the game.
Vaughan suffered a knee injury and has been a vital source of goals for the side.
Keith Hill will now have to rely on the output of Kaiyne Woolery and hope veteran striker David Nugent improves on his goalscoring form to maintain automatic promotion hopes.
Opponents
Their opponents Mansfield are safe from relegation and appear to have little to play for as they sit comfortably in 18th place.
Despite their league position, the Stags are capable of an upset. Just earlier this month they comfortably beat current league leaders Cheltenham Town 3-1.
The last time the sides met was the opening game of the season in September when the sides drew 0-0.
Therefore Tranmere will have to be concentrated and not underestimate their opponents if they want to maintain their push for promotion and glory.
When & How to watch
Tranmere Rovers vs Mansfield Town Kicks off at 15:00 Saturday 27th March.
The game can be viewed on iFollow for £10 via the Tranmere Website.
