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Tranmere Rovers v Oxford United: Match Preview


By Louise Formston
April 17 2015

Our Match Preview writer Louise Formston takes a look ahead to Saturday afternoon's must-win home game against Oxford United.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend will see Tranmere Rovers play host to Oxford United as they attempt to survive the drop.  Tuesday’s game saw Tranmere slip to bottom of the table as they failed to win against Mansfield, and thanks to results elsewhere Rovers remain two points from safety.

Form Guide:

Tranmere have lost their last three games 1-0, with no wins in six whilst Oxford will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to six games, following three draws and wins over Wycombe and Carlisle.  On the road this season, Oxford have managed six away wins, recording eight losses in the process.  Rovers on the other hand have registered just five home wins all season and conceded at least one goal in their last 18 games.  With it looking like Rovers will need to score two or more to get three points this weekend, they won’t be pleased to know that in their last three games, Oxford have shipped just one goal.

Previous Meetings:

The two teams have met three times already this season, once in the League and twice in the FA Cup.

In the League, the teams met back in October at the Kassam Stadium following Rob Edwards’ departure.  Matt Gill and Alex Russell formed a management team and fielded an Edwards-esque side.  Two goals from Oxford United prompted my mother to respond with “well the committee didn’t work out so well did it?” when watching Final Score that night.

Six weeks later and Tranmere were back in Oxford, this time under the leadership of Micky Adams and looking to progress through to the third round of the FA Cup.  Whilst Rovers conceded two again, both from Tyrone Barnett, goals from Cole Stockton and Jason Koumas plus a few last minute saves from Fon Williams ensured the tie went to a replay.

A Tuesday night in December saw Oxford visit Prenton Park with Swansea waiting in the third round.  Oxford started brightly, scoring the first goal of the night.  But goals from Odejayi and Max Power ensured Rovers were victorious.

Injuries and Suspensions:

Micky Adams revealed this week that aside from Marcus Holness who is still recovering from an injury picked up in January, Rovers will have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the game.  Although Rob Taylor is a doubt, having struggled with injury and fitness the last month, the Rovers’ boss is hoping he will be fit to play.

Oxford United on the other hand have three doubts going into Saturday’s game, Patrick Hoban who limped off during Oxford’s last game as well as George Baldock and Andy Whing who are expected to face late fitness tests. 

The Opposition Dugout:

Michael Appleton is the man currently in charge of Oxford United.  Having started his youth career at Manchester United, Appleton left the club after making no first team appearances.  Signing for Preston North End in 1997, Appleton made 145 appearances for the Northwest side, scoring 15 goals in his time there – not bad for a midfielder.  He played a key role in seeing Preston promoted into what was then Division One, as Division Two champions.  After leaving the Lillywhites, Appleton signed for West Brom, where he remained for the rest of his playing career.

His time as a player was cut short after he failed to regain full match fitness following a two-year battle against injury.  Despite the injury, he stayed at West Brom in a coaching capacity, before being named as first team coach following the dismissal of Roberto di Matteo.  However, his stint as manager was short but sweet, as West Brom managed a draw in his only game in charge with Roy Hodgson arriving at the Hawthorns later that week.  Almost a year later and Appleton was unveiled as Portsmouth manager.

Despite signing a three-year deal, Appleton lasted just a season and left following Portsmouth’s relegation to League One.  Appleton moved on to Blackpool, staying for just eleven games before taking charge of Blackburn Rovers in January 2013.  However, his stint at Blackburn lasted just two days longer than his time at Blackpool.  A year later and Appleton signed on as Oxford United’s manager and is almost at the end of his first season in charge.

One to Watch:

Danny Hylton (English) - 26

The Oxford striker has already notched up 13 league goals this season and is Oxford’s top scorer by some margin.  The 26 year old signed a two year deal with the club last June following his release from Rotherham after their promotion.  His career has seen him play for Aldershot, Bury and Wimbledon, as well as making one first team appearance for Rotherham before being loaned out. 

At over six foot, the striker hit the headlines in 2013, still playing for Aldershot after he scored in every round of the FA Cup that the club had played in before they lost out to Middlesbrough in the fourth round.  It was this scoring record that attracted attention for Derby, Hull and Middlesbrough.  Although Hylton has a good goal scoring record for Oxford as well, his last goal came against Mansfield at the end of February – whether this means he’s due a goal or has forgotten where the net sits is anyone’s guess.

Around the League:

Cambridge vs Mansfield:  Cambridge lost against fellow relegation strugglers Cheltenham whilst Mansfield – well the less said about them the better.  With both clubs pretty much safe, a win either way on Saturday would secure League Two football for the victors.

Carlisle vs Plymouth:  Both teams managed a draw in midweek – something perhaps more significant for Carlisle who were in front up against promotion challenging Burton up until the last minute of injury time.  A win for Carlisle would probably see them safe whilst Plymouth will be looking to cement their place in the playoffs.

Luton vs Hartlepool:  Again both teams managed a draw on Tuesday (were Rovers’ the only team not too?!) but Hartlepool will be aiming to do a little better than that as they aim to climb further away from the relegation zone.  A win for Luton however, and depending on results elsewhere they could mount a late play-off charge.

Northampton vs Cheltenham:  Cheltenham leap frogged Tranmere on Tuesday night thanks to a 3-1 win over Cambridge and they will be looking for another set of three points come Saturday.  Northampton arguably have ‘nothing to play for’ but will still hope to finish the season strongly.

My Predictions:

Fon Williams

Donacien                  Ihiekwe          Thompson               Holmes

Myrie-Williams         Power            Jennings                  Green

   Odejayi          Donnelly

I’m sticking with the same team I proposed against Mansfield.  Focus needs to be on getting forward and getting the ball into Green or Donnelly.  We seem to be having a lot of possession in games lately but not doing a great deal with it.  As a fan, I would rather see our players taking on shots and at least trying to test the opposition defence.  Currently we seem to just pass it around and appear to be scared to try and go forward.

Score Prediction?  Heart is saying 2-1 Tranmere (9/1 SkyBet) but my head is thinking another 1-0 (6/1 SkyBet) loss where we dominate possession.

 

 

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Tranmere Rovers v Oxford United: Match Preview
Discussion started by Total Tranmere (IP Logged), 17/04/2015 16:51
Total Tranmere
Total Tranmere
17/04/2015 16:51
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Hoots Mon
Hoots Mon
17/04/2015 20:47
Very thorough excellent preview.

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