Tranmere Rovers
Match Preview: Guiseley v Tranmere Rovers
By Deadly Submarine
March 6 2016
As Tranmere prepare to travel to Guiseley on Tuesday evening, Louise Formston returns with her match preview ahead of the game.....
Disclaimer: Written before Gary’s Pre-Match Press Conference.
Saturday’s three points meant Rovers have racked up eight wins, one draw and two losses since Christmas – impressive for a team who’ve suffered back-to-back relegations. It would appear that Gary Brabin has found a winning formula, and long may it continue. Two days of recovery and Rovers are back on the road as they head to Guiseley looking to add a ninth win.
Form Guide:
As discussed above, Tranmere are in a spell of wonderful form and are looking to continue this the best they can. On the road Rovers haven’t lost since the end of November, when Tranmere slipped to a 4-1 defeat at Woking. A header from Higdon saw Rovers finally score a goal from open play, after an absolutely outstanding run and cross from Jake Kirby as well as two penalties from Norwood, making it the first game since October 3rd that Rovers have scored three goals at home.
Rovers’ three points against Gateshead mean they now sit 5th in the National League table on 60 points, four clear of Wrexham in 6th but with a number of teams around them having games in hand, a play off position is no guarantee.
Guiseley meanwhile, saw their home game against Wrexham called off. The 18th placed team are just four points off the relegation spots, but have a few games in hand. Guiseley haven’t won a game since they beat Kidderminster on January 23rd but that was away. Their last home League win came in November, where they beat Bromley 2-0 – the weekend after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Rovers at Prenton Park. Since then they’ve seen a steady stream of draws (five) keep them above the relegation zone.
The last game Guiseley played was a 1-1 draw with Braintree in which a quite extraordinary goal was scored. After the ball was put out of play, Guiseley player Oliver Norburn kicked the back towards Braintree’s goal sending it looping over the keeper and in. The goal was allowed to stand at the time and it has now been referred to the FA. For more information see THIS LINK.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Jay Harris will return to the squad following his two game suspensions and will probably be on the bench. On this note, by my count James Norwood is only two bookings away from a two game suspension for reaching ten bookings. Adam Mekki took a knock during Saturday’s game and whilst he finished the game appearing to be fine, I’d rather we rested him for this and had him firing for Dover if there’s any doubt of injury. Maynard missed the Chester game through injury and wasn’t on the bench for Saturday either so I’d assume he’ll be out on Tuesday too.
Guiseley’s Squad:
Mark Bower is still in charge of Guiseley and will be hoping to save them from relegation this season. Defender James Hurst is currently Guiseley’s top scorer (according to the BBC) with seven goals this season, although he hasn’t scored since before Christmas. Liam Dickinson is second with six goals, his last coming against Woking in February.
Around the League:
Altrincham vs Gateshead: After losing to us on Saturday Gateshead will be keen to get their play off push back on track whilst Altrincham are desperate for points to see them out of the drop zone.
Dover vs Welling: Seventh placed Dover are five points behind Rovers but have three games in hand and take on relegation threatened Welling.
Eastleigh vs Woking: Both teams have hit a little bit of poor form of late but thanks to Eastleigh’s games in hand (personally I’m fed up of games in hand now) they can’t be ruled out as playoff candidates.
Grimsby vs Southport: Southport have been going strong of late so here’s hoping they can take at least a point off Grimsby.
Torquay vs Braintree: I was hoping Braintree’s hectic schedule would start affect them but so far it hasn’t. They travel to prime relegation candidates Torquay on Tuesday night.
My Starting XI:
Why change a winning team? Everyone who started Saturday should retain his place for Tuesday. Higdon looked fitter on Saturday and started to get into some good positions, and hopefully now he’s got that first goal he’ll be looking for a second and third. Kirby and Mekki were absolutely outstanding, as was James Norwood. Our defence was pretty solid, and were punished the only time they switched off – hopefully that is lesson learnt.
I’m giving up on predicting a score because I got Saturday’s horribly wrong. Apparently you can have two penalties in a week, and an extra one thrown in for good measure. As long as we get three points I’m no longer bothered how we do it!
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06/03/2016 19:10
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I think it will be 3-o to Rovers
Norwood Higdon and GFT
I enjoy reading your previews, hope we win well.
