With the first game of the season only 12 days to go till the big kick off at Swansea, we take alook at what formation should be played and who should play?

Well first of all what formation best suits the Super White Army. Last season Tranmere played 5-3-2 most of the time, with wing backs. But this option seems to by out the window with the capabilties of Ryan Taylor's attacking presence sold to Wigan. So what about the traditional 4-4-2.

So, what advantages does 4-4-2 have? Balance is the main thing. But perhaps there is one formation that is being over shadowed and suits one Rovers player more than anyone.

That player is Iain Hume, and playing him in “the hole” might bring the best out of him. Humey has the capabilities to play that role perfectly, with his crossing, passing and long range shooting, perhaps this is the perfect position for him. In the past he has been tried in midfield, and recently and out and out striker. So I think 4-3-1-2 will be the best formation.

We have a formation, but who are the players that will definitely play the position best. We already have “the hole” sorted, but what about the rest?

Starting from the top, goalkeeper. Although, with the recent signing of 31 year old Steve Wilson, John Achterberg still holds the position between the sticks. His presence is his key, and it will take some doing to remove the Big Dutchman from his post.

So who is going to be infront of Achterberg. Right back is a bit awkward, considering Ryan Taylor has left, but recently Paul Linwood has been playing there, and could force himself into the side. But the inevitable signing of a new right back might push him further down the pecking order. But for now, he is the best option Rovers have on there hands, and looks a great prospect either at right back or at his natural position of centre back.

The left back position is rightfully owned by Welshman, Gareth Roberts. Gareth is now one of the first names on the team sheet, and rightfully so. But in the future could face stiff competition from youngster, Carl Tremarco. But Gareth is certainly the left back for now.

The centre back's are a bit harder to choose, with 3 players who could easily get in the team fighting for the two positions. But I would have to choose Ian Sharps and Mike Jackson, ahead of Jamaican international Ian Goodison. Although Goodison might well beat Sharps or Jackson occasionally to the side, but this is about what I feel will be our strongest team possible.

So there you have it the back line is sorted. But, who will be having the 3 midfield places. There are lots of candidates for these, but who goes above the rest to do the call of duty? Fighting for the midfield places are : Jason McAteer, Mark Rankine, Sam Aiston, Steven Jennings, Theo Whitmore, Danny Harrison. I'm afraid I will have to take Theo out of the equation straight away. Mainly because he didn't perform last season, but will face stiff competition from the likes of Danny Harrison, and Steven Jennings. I also think the pair will play a lot more, when Rankine and McAteer are rested. But I will definitely put down Sam Aiston, he has impressed in pre season and I feel he has been a great signing. But youth or experience? I will have to go with McAteer and Rankine, but do feel the youth partnersip of Harrison and Jennings will play a lot more this season, and be future first teamers.

So, we have Hume in “the hole”, but who will be the striking partnership? There's Calvin Zola, Eugene Dadi, Chris Dagnall, new signing Chris Greenacre, and youngster Steve Davies to choose from. Who's the cream of the crop, but who will play best together? I feel the best three players we have available to us, are Calvin Zola and Chris Greenacre and Chris Dagnall. But who will be the best upfront? The height of Calvin Zola will always be a great presence, so he gets his mark for me. So Dagnall or Greenacre? Without doubt Greenacre, his finsihing is top class and has a great attitude.

Last, but not least subs. First off all you need a substitute goalkeeper, so Steve Wilson makes his place. And the defender would have to be Ian Goodison, by far the best defender not in the team. And midfielders I would have the two youth pairings of Steven Jennings and Danny Harrison who can come on and change the game. So who is the lucky striker on the bench? Both Eugene Dadi and Chris Dagnall can change the game when they come onto the pitch, but I would have to go for Dadi. A great example of him changing the game is the second leg of the FA Cup Quarter Finals against Millwall. He was so unlucky not to equalise.

So there you have it, the team is done.

Formation : 4-3-1-2

Achterberg

Linwood, Jackson, Sharps, Roberts

McAteer, Rankine, Aiston

Hume

Greenacre, Zola

Subs : Wilson, Goodison, Jennings, Harrison, Dadi