Tranmere Rovers Preview

Notts face yet another important meeting tomorrow afternoon at Meadow Lane. The visit of Tranmere Rovers is hardly a glamorous one, but an ugly performance is all that it will take to relieve the pressure on the pies. Chris Kiwomya has made a lot about not having a starting eleven and suffering from constant injuries and suspensions. However, I take a different view and believe that the management just cannot nail down the best set-up and team. This is by no means a jibe at the management, they shook things up with a different formation on Tuesday night.

Whilst it saw more shots by Notts, the defence were left abused and exposed. It’s hard to imagine that the 5 goals shipped on Tuesday will put him off an attacking approach tomorrow though.

It is hard to say what formation Kiwomya will adopt. With the emphasis on attack it would be surprising to see any of McGregor, Haynes, Haber, Liddle, Bell or Grealish absent from the starting line-up. Arquin could well start but has been seen to better effect coming off the bench.

Sheehan, Leacock and Smith will be amongst the defenders but whether Dumbuya will be reinstalled is another question.

Tranmere Rovers have Jason Koumas available again but James Wallace is still making slow progress back from an injury.

Tranmere sit 17th with 5 points on the board with their latest result seeing them lose 3-4 to Brentford. They currently have a worse goal difference than Notts by one goal, but their ability to score goals is something Notts will be forced to address.

They are likely to play on the counter attack at Meadow Lane so Notts must ensure they do not fall into the trap of all possession and no intent. Notts must make use of their wings and hurt Tranmere whenever possible.

Notts are actually favourites with the bookmakers to win tomorrow at 6/4. Tranmere are best priced at 85/40 with the draw at 12/5.

This is a very hard match to address in terms of a prediction.

This certainly won’t be a match for those hunting out a glamorous attacking football display. It will be a rough, physical match that will require a ruthless approach from Notts. With so much pressure upon the players, nerves will be tingling, but if Notts are able to put in a good display and get a point as a minimum, there will be a lot to build upon after recent efforts.

To be frank, we must cross our fingers, get down the Lane and hope that Notts can turn things around. Tranmere, although not world beaters, aren’t fools and will take advantage where they can.

You Pies!
By James Constantine