Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
By Matthew Jones
March 4 2010
Matthew Jones provides you with all the stats, facts and team news you need to know ahead of Saturday's League One game with Southampton which kicks off a run of difficult but vitally important games in the coming weeks for Les Parry's men.....
March 4 2010
Matthew Jones provides you with all the stats, facts and team news you need to know ahead of Saturday's League One game with Southampton which kicks off a run of difficult but vitally important games in the coming weeks for Les Parry's men.....
Saturday 6th March 2010 - Coca-Cola League One
Tranmere R v Southampton
Kick Off 3.00pm at Prenton Park
Tranmere Rovers host Southampton at Prenton Park this Saturday in Coca-Cola League One as they enter a tough week which sees them play three teams in the top half of the table, although two of the fixtures are at home, with Leeds United travelling to the Wirral on Tuesday.
Rovers will be looking for their first win in two weeks, having lost their most recent match, but with their home form apparently getting better, and Les Parry's side posing a stern test for any team in the division at the moment, this will be a tough game for the Saints, who come to Prenton Park for the first time since their F.A. Cup fifth round replay in the 2000/01 season, when John Aldridge's Tranmere turned around a 3-0 half time deficit to win 4-3.
Rovers Players Celebrate the 4-3 Comeback win over Saints in 2001
Tranmere will be hoping for more of the same this Saturday, but Alan Pardew's Southampton side have been in strong form all season in Coca-Cola League One, and if it wasn't for a ten point deduction at the start of the season due to administration, they'd be just four points off the play-off places.
Previous Meetings:
Tranmere Rovers were sent home from St. Marys empty handed when Les Parry's side made the long trip south on December 12th for the reverse fixture against Southampton, with the Saints easing to a 3-0 win against a Tranmere side unbeaten in five before the fixture.
The scoreline though is perhaps quite deceptive, as Tranmere enjoyed good spells of possession in the first 45 minutes, and had plenty of chances themselves, Thomas-Moore volleying over after twelve minutes and Craig Curran doing similar seven minutes later.
John Welsh though came closest for Tranmere in a half that ended 0-0, with the midfielder forcing Southampton's 'keeper into a save, as well as firing just wide on two occasions, as they two sides went in level, with Tranmere definitely the happiest of the two teams.
However, after the break Southampton went up a gear or two, and Tranmere just couldn't compete with them, as the home side scored three goals in a 19 minute second half spell, easily enough to get past a side who were now bereft of confidence and ideas.
The first came on 51 minutes, as Dan Harding fired home expertly from in side the penalty area after finding some space on the left-hand side of the box, whilst the second was added thirteen minutes later from the penalty spot, as Rickie Lambert smashed the ball home after Broomes had stupidly and unforgivingly handled the ball on the edge of Tranmere's six yard box.
There was nothing stupid about the third goal though, as Lambert scored a goal that would have been all over the news had it been scored by a Premier League striker. The former Rochdale man did what he does best as he smashed home a free-kick from 30-yards after Craig Curran had given away a foul with twenty minutes left.
Vital Stats:
These two sides have met just eleven previous times, with Tranmere picking up four wins, four defeats and three draws
Southampton have won just once in five trips to Prenton Park, with Rovers picking up three wins
The Saints haven't won at Prenton Park since Novermber 28th 1959
Tranmere have scored eleven goals in five home games against Southampton, with the Saints netting on eight occasions
In six of the eleven previous games between these two sides, at least one side has scored three or more goals
On This Day:
2001: John Aldridge's Tranmere continue to struggle in the Championship as they draw 1-1 with Preston North End at home at Prenton Park
1999: Rovers lose 1-0 at Portman Road against Ipswich Town
1993: John King's Tranmere pick up a rare win at Ashton Gate, beating Bristol City 3-1 in Division One
Tranmere have played seventeen previous games on March 6th, picking up only three wins and three draws, as well as eleven defeats. Between 1926 and 1990, Rovers played twelve games on this day, failing to win any of them, though they have won three of seven since. In their seventeen games on this day, they have scored fourteen goals, conceding an incredible 41, including a 1929 8-0 defeat to Bradford City!
The Form Book:
Southampton Last Six Away Games: DWDDWD
Tranmere Last Six Home Games: LWLWLD
Southampton will come into this game full of confidence, having demolisted Huddersfield on Tuesday night and having gone undefeated in their last nine league games, both home and away.
The Saints started their six match sequence with a 1-1 draw against play-off hopefuls Millwall, Rickie Lambert scoring an injury time equaliser for the Saints, before four days later they won 1-0 at MK Dons in the Johnstone Paints Trophy Southern Section Final.
Two further draws in the league followed for Southampton, firstly with Brentford, as Lloyd James' fourth minute goal was cancelled out late on by Leon Legge, before ten days later the Saints drew 1-1 with Exeter City.
A brilliant result on the road was next up for Southampton though, as new signing Barnard scored twice in a valuable 2-0 win over high flying Norwich City at Carrow Road, before in their most recent away game Southampton drew 0-0 with Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
Southampton have played seventeen away games so far this season, picking up 23 of an available 51 points, thanks to five wins, eight draws and four defeats.
Notable results at St. Mary's for Alan Pardew's side include wins over Tranmere Rovers (3-0), Huddersfield Town (5-0), Walsall (5-1) and Gillingham (4-1).
The Saints come into this game in tenth place in the League One table, having played 32 games and picked up 44 of an available 96 points thanks to fourteen wins, twelve draws and just six defeats. They would be on 54 points and just four points outside the play-offs had it not been for a ten point deduction due to entering administration last year.
With 59 goals so far in their 32 games, Southampton come to Prenton Park as the third highest scoring team in League One, behind only Huddersfield (60) and Norwich (70).
Tranmere may have only won two of their last six at Prenton Park, but their form in general under Les Parry has improved hugely, with Tranmere having actually won their three previous home league games prior to their six match sequence.
Rovers though did start their six match run disappointingly, as they failed to score past Carlisle in what turned out to be a very dull 0-0 draw on December 28th, before they were beaten undeservedly by Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the F.A. Cup third round, Matt Jarvis scoring the winner with thirteen minutes left for Mick McCarthy's side.
Rovers won their next home match however, beating relegation rivals Yeovil Town 2-1 thanks to goals from Ian Thomas-Moore and Ashton Taylor, though they were to be disappointed in their next home match as they lost an important relegation battle game against Oldham Athletic 1-0.
Les Parry's side picked up a win in their next outing at Prenton Park though, Ian Thomas-Moore again on target along with Marvin Sordell as Tranmere beat Leyton Orient 2-1, before in their most recent game Tranmere lost 2-0 to high flying Huddersfield Town courtesy of two goals from Lee Novak.
Other notable results at Prenton Park for Tranmere Rovers this season include wins over Gillingham (4-2), Brentford (1-0), Bristol Rovers (2-0) and Carlisle United (2-0).
Tranmere have played sixteen home games so far this season, picking up 23 of an available 48 points, thanks to seven wins, two draws and seven defeats.
Notable results away from home for Les Parry's side this season include wins over Wycombe Wanderers (1-0) and Gillingham (1-0), as well as a 3-3 draw with Huddersfield Town and an F.A. Cup win over Aldershot (2-1).
Les Parry's side come into this match in 19th place in the League One table, lying one point and two places above the League One relegation zone, having picked up 33 of an available 96 points from their 32 games, thanks to nine wins, six draws and seventeen defeats.
Double Hit:
Former Rangers striker Paul Rideout is probably most famous for scoring the winning goal in the 1995 F.A. Cup final for Everton as the Toffee's beat Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley stadium, but the current Kansas City Wizards coach also enjoyed spells with Southampton and Tranmere Rovers in a playing career that spanned over 21 years.
Rideout started his career at Swindon Town in the early 1980s, where he made over 100 appearances and scored 41 goals before transfering to Aston Villa for £200,000 in 1983.
Two years, 63 appearances and 22 goals later, he was on the move again, moving to Italy where he played for Bari for three years, playing 99 league games for the Seria A side.
On July 5th 1988 he joined Southampton for £430,000 and he would remain with the Saints for over three years, scoring 21 goals in 96 appearances before losing his place in the side and moving out on loan to Swindon Town during the 1991/92 season.
Rideout never regained his place in the Southampton side, and transfered on to Notts County and later Rangers for £250,000 and £500,000 respectively, before joining Everton in August 1992 for £500,000.
At Everton, Rideout's career kick started and he enjoyed his most famous moment in football as he scored that winning F.A. Cup final goal, heading home a ball that had bounced back off the cross bar.
Rideout remained at Goodison Park for five years and made 140 appearances for the club, scoring 37 goals, before being released in 1997.
Over the next three years, Rideout left England to play abroad, spending one season in China with Qianwei Huangdao, where he was voted best overseas player, before spending a season in America with the Kansas City Wizards.
A year later he returned to China to play forShenzhen Jianlibao before returning to England in 2000 where he hooked up with John Aldridge to play for Tranmere Rovers, who would be the final club of his playing career.
He spent two years at Prenton Park before retiring, scoring twelve goals in 59 games, with his most famous moment without doubt coming against his old club, Southampton, when he scored a second half hatrick as Tranmere came from 3-0 down to beat the Saints 4-3 in the F.A. Cup.
In 2002 Rideout retired from playing, aged 38, and now, aged 46, is youth coach of the Kansas City Wizards in America.
One To Watch: Rickie Lambert
Born in Liverpool, Lambert started his career with Blackpool, but just three appearances and no goals in three years led to his release in 2001, as he joined Macclesfield Town on a free-transfer.
After impressing at Moss Rose, Lambert joined Stockport County for £300,000 in 2003 before joining Rochdale in February 2005 on a free-transfer, which was when his career really kicked off.
Lambert stayed with Dale for 18 months and made a name for himself as a goalscoring striker who was a dead ball specialist. He scored 28 goals in 68 games for the Spotland side before joining Bristol Rovers for £200,000 in August 2006.
Three further years at Bristol Rovers saw Lambert featuring regularly on the scoresheet for the Pirates as he scored 59 goals in 155 games, 29 of which came last season in Coca Cola League One.
After scoring on the opening day of the 2009/10 season for Rovers, Lambert was transfered to Southampton, who paid £1,000,000 for his services. Since joining the Saints, Lambert has netted 26 times in 40 games, with 21 goals in 31 league games.
A dead ball expert who is capable of scoring from all distances, Lambert is good in the air, strong and a natural finisher. The 28-year old wears the number seven shirt for Southampton.League One Fixtures:
There are eleven League One fixtures on Saturday afternoon, with just the twelfth match taking place on Monday night, when Colchester host Brighton in an important match for Tranmere.
Charlton vs. Stockport
Exeter vs. Oldham
Gillingham vs. Huddersfield
Hartlepool vs. Southend
Leeds vs. Brentford
MK Dons vs. Leyton Orient
Norwich vs. Yeovil
Swindon vs. Bristol Rovers
Tranmere vs. Southampton
Walsall vs. Millwall
Wycombe vs. Carlisle
Team News:
Tranmere will have Shay Logan available after a two-match suspension picked up for recieving 10 yellow cards, so he may replace on-loan Luke O'Neill at right-back. Gareth Edds should be fit again after being taken off at half-time against Huddersfield with concusion, whilst Bas Savage is set to figure in the Tranmere first team for the first time since April 26 2009 as he continues his recovery from two achilies injuries.
Jones' Prediction: Tranmere 2-2 SouthamptonSouthampton are a strong side and they proved that with a 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield at St. Marys on Tuesday night. However, Tranmere have been more resiliant and stronger mentally in recent weeks, so there's nothing to suggest they can't pick up at least a point in this game.
Having not played last weekend due to the inclemant weather in London, Les Parry's side will be itching to get to the field and put things right after their own defeat to Huddersfield, 2-0, in their last match, as well as their 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Saints back in December.
If Rovers are to win, or get a draw, then they must watch Southampton's free-scoring attackers, Barnard and Lambert, who are probably the best strike force in the division. Defenders Goodison and Broomes will have to be on the top of their games whilst Rovers will have to attempt to give as few free-kicks away around the penalty area as possible, with Lambert a dead-ball expert.
If Rovers can get Ash Taylor back and fit, then he might play a key role, be it in defence or as a holding midfielder, with the youngster posing a huge presence in the middle for Tranmere, whilst Bas Savage could also play a key role for 30 minutes or so late on, as he hads an extra dimension to the Rovers team that they've been missing all season.
Most of all though, Tranmere will have to keep possession, be patient, not lump the ball forward to their attackers and take what few chances come their way. There is however a definite chance that Rovers can win.
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Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Total Tranmere (IP Logged)
Date: 04/03/2010 12:31
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:04:23:33:08 by Deadly Submarine.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:04:23:33:08 by Deadly Submarine.
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 04/03/2010 23:34
Top preview as ever Matt!
I don't feel we'll get anything from this game but may get something on Tuesday against Leeds.
Just to update the team news, Les said tonight that Ash Taylor is probably two weeks away yet. He will definitely be OK for Hartlepool but may possibly make the Bristol Rovers game next weekend.
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
I don't feel we'll get anything from this game but may get something on Tuesday against Leeds.
Just to update the team news, Les said tonight that Ash Taylor is probably two weeks away yet. He will definitely be OK for Hartlepool but may possibly make the Bristol Rovers game next weekend.
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: stockysaint (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 09:20
Really cannot see TR getting anything from this one, only real chance is to make your pitch a quagmire and hope you have the winning lottery ticket.
Saints are now picking their strongest side and are confident in all departments.
Good luck for Leeds and future games but forget about this one; concentrate on damage limitation and try to keep the score below 5, that will be a mark of success.
Saints are now picking their strongest side and are confident in all departments.
Good luck for Leeds and future games but forget about this one; concentrate on damage limitation and try to keep the score below 5, that will be a mark of success.
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: kiws (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 15:51
Exactly the sort of game that we will win, should never have lost at their place, I am predicting a 2-1 win and a 1-0 win v leeds.
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Mikey (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 16:36
And if we come out of six points from these games.. I'm sure Mike'll wear his yellow wig.
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 16:50
I'm saving the Yellow Wig for the Ian Moore bet but I will certainly consider running up and down the steps of the Paddock 50 times!!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: bigmart (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 18:55
think it wil be fairly comfortable for them 2 0
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: SWS (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 20:13
we haqve the tendancy to upset some of the better teams from time to time tho i agree with mike that maybe our chances are better in week.
could get severley tonked saturday but im gonna be hopeful and prey we grind a bore draw
could get severley tonked saturday but im gonna be hopeful and prey we grind a bore draw
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: kiwipete (IP Logged)
Date: 05/03/2010 23:30
i think saints and leeds will both win 2-0-
IM MEMORY OF THE BEST CAPTAIN AND GREATEST MANAGER IN OUR HISTORY--RIP BILLY AND DON
IM MEMORY OF THE BEST CAPTAIN AND GREATEST MANAGER IN OUR HISTORY--RIP BILLY AND DON
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: bigmart (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 08:14
think you could wellbe right pete
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: iagoapcen (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 08:40
a poor first half 2-0 down and a rousing comeback for 2-2
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: bigmart (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 10:29
if we are 2 down at half time it could be a rout i cant see us coming back from two goals down against stockport never mind southampton.
The only way we will get something out of the game is if we score first
The only way we will get something out of the game is if we score first
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 18:40
Quote:stockysaint
Really cannot see TR getting anything from this one, only real chance is to make your pitch a quagmire and hope you have the winning lottery ticket.
Saints are now picking their strongest side and are confident in all departments.
Good luck for Leeds and future games but forget about this one; concentrate on damage limitation and try to keep the score below 5, that will be a mark of success.
I wonder if this poster will be back on tonight lol!!
Looks like we won the Lottery mate
Shame you couldn't keep our score below 2 isn't it!!Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Matthew the rover (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 19:07
I think he'll graciously come on and accept defeat.
www.twitter.com/totaltranmere
www.twitter.com/totaltranmere
Re: Tranmere Rovers v Southampton Match Preview
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 06/03/2010 19:22
I do too Matt!!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"