Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers v AFC Wimbledon: Match Preview
By Louise Formston
March 26 2015
Our new Match Preview writer Louise Formston continues her writing debut as she takes a look ahead to Saturday's home game against AFC Wimbledon.......
This Saturday will see Tranmere play host to AFC Wimbledon in their last game in March. Last weekend’s 4-1 defeat was Rovers’ heaviest league loss of the season and leaves them perched perilously just above the relegation zone whilst Wimbledon’s 1-0 home win over Portsmouth has meant they are now just five points off the playoffs.
Form Guide:
The defeat to Burton Albion means Tranmere have won just one game in March (Cambridge United away) and have yet to win at home since that miracle 3-1 victory over Shrewsbury in February. Wimbledon, however have had mixed fortunes of late. Whilst they won their last home game, it came following two away defeats to Exeter City and Mansfield. Looking at the season as a whole, the Dons have won only four away games, amassing nine defeats along the way. Rovers on the other hand, have managed just 4 home wins all season with their fans seeing a massive eleven losses at Prenton Park since August. Clean sheet wise, Tranmere’s last was January 17th (a 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley) and Wimbledon’s came just last week, although the Dons haven’t managed to shut out the opposition while on their travels in over a month.
Injuries and Suspensions:
With Steve Jennings’ suspension over, it’s likely that he will return to the side with Laird. Josh Thompson under went a scan this week following his second concussion in as many months so is still unlikely to play. Whilst I rate him as one of the better defenders we’ve had this season, I am 100% behind the club should they decide to rest him for longer. It would be a step forward for the world of football and head injuries. Danny Holmes (knee), Rob Taylor and Danny Gardner (knee) all missed the game against Burton with no news so far on their potential returns. However, with Tranmere signing midfielder George Green from Everton this week, I would imagine that would rule out Danny Gardner for a significant time.
Previous Meeting:
The two sides met back in October in what was Micky Adams’ second game in charge, but the points were shared at the Cherry Red Records Stadium with the game finishing in a 2-2 draw. Although the Dons took the lead twice, two goals from Armand Gnanduillet meant that Rovers didn’t come away empty handed.
The Opposition Dugout:
Following retirement from a successful playing career in 2007, Neal Ardley had a brief stint as Cardiff City’s Academy Manager before taking over at the Dons in October 2012. Ardley successfully kept Wimbledon in League Two that season before finishing higher up the table the following season and now, he has them challenging for a play off place. Ordinarily Ardley would be taking his seat to Mr Adams’ left but in news revealed this week, Ardley will instead undergo a hip operation making it very unlikely he will make the trip to the Wirral. Assistant manager Neil Cox and first team coach Simon Bassey will take charge on Saturday with Ardley most likely tuning into Jeff and co to hopefully watch his team suffer another defeat on the road (!)
AFC Wimbledon's Adebayo Akinfenwa will be a player to watch on Saturday
One to Watch:
Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa (English) - 32
This week’s one to watch is Adebayo Akinfenwa, the Dons' powerful striker. Starting his career at FK Atlanta (Lithuania), Akinfenwa went on to play for Torquay United, Swansea City, and Gillingham amongst others before signing for Wimbledon last summer. This season he’s made 37 league appearances grabbing himself 14 goals along the way – one of which came against Tranmere in the team’s previous meeting. Akinfenwa also scored twice for Gillingham last season in their visit to Prenton Park, making an Akinfenwa goal on Saturday reasonably likely (11/8 to score in 90 minutes with Skybet!), especially when you consider the possibility of yet another changed defensive line up for Rovers.
Around the League:
Other key games to keep an eye on during Saturday’s fixtures include:
Cheltenham Town v Plymouth: Both teams are desperate for points in this fixture. Plymouth are on the brink of a playoff place while Cheltenham are hoping a win will see them climb out of the relegation zone.
Hartlepool United v Cambridge United: This bottom half tie sees Hartlepool go after a fifth back to back win. Whilst a Hartlepool loss would most probably suit Tranmere quite nicely, it’s a large ask for a Cambridge side who are yet to win in March.
Mansfield Town v York City: Most Rovers fans are probably hoping for a York loss here, which would be made even better if Tranmere can take all three points against the Dons but the Stags' form is patchy of late so this one might be tough to call.
Oxford United v Carlisle United:A draw here would be nice with both Oxford and Carlisle just above the battle for survival. However, as with the other games should Tranmere fail to capitalise on a slip up here, survival for Rovers will look bleak.
My Starting XI:
Brezovan
Donacien Dugdale Ihiekwe Taylor
Myrie-Williams Laird/Jennings Power Molyneux
Odejayi Donnelly
With a large number of injuries still no closer to returning I would argue to start a side similar to that which finished the game against Burton. Owain Fon Williams will be away with Wales as they take on Israel at 5pm on Saturday (Sky Sports 5 if you’re interested) so it’s likely Brezovan will play following the end of his (not so successful?) loan with Southport.
With Thompson out, its inevitable Dugdale will have to start at centre-back, but I would rather have Donacien back at his more natural right-back position and move Ihiekwe back to partner Adam in the middle. This change would hopefully allow Donacien to get forward a lot more, hopefully causing the Dons some problems down the wing. Left-back is proving a tricky position for Tranmere, we were spoilt with Aaron Cresswell and yet to find someone who can live up to our expectations. If fit Taylor should return to left-back, although I rate Ridehalgh going forward, I worry every time he tracks back. I’d argue to leave Saturday’s midfield unchanged.
Myrie-Williams was a constant threat against Burton and should start again as should Marc Laird who hassled players throughout the game on Saturday and I feel goes without the credit he often deserves. He’s come a long way since the opening day fiasco against York but I have a strong feeling Micky will drop him in order to bring in Jennings now his suspension is over. Power would most likely fill the other centre midfield position and I would like to see Molyneux play on the left wing. He provided an extra threat on Saturday, with some decent crosses that were unfortunate not to come to anything.
However, with the addition of George Green, midfield places are looking uncertain. I would personally place him on the bench, a settled team fighting for each other is more important than ever now. Up front I would stick with the Odejayi and Donnelly combination. They worked so well together in January and early February, and there were signs of that partnership re-emerging in the later half of Saturday’s game.
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26/03/2015 17:48
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