By Deadly Submarine
January 23 2009

As Tranmere prepare to take on Carlisle United in their first home League game of 2009, we take a detailed look at the stats and facts ahead of the clash. Ronnie Moore’s men will be looking to continue the good home form they showed at the end of 2008.

Following the postponement of the home tie against Peterborough United two weeks ago, Rovers find themselves almost at the end of January before playing their first home game of 2009 with Carlisle United the visitors to Prenton Park tomorrow afternoon.

Despite going into the game on the back of an undeserved 1-0 defeat away at Millwall last Saturday, Rovers' home form is extremely good of late although Carlisle's recent return to some kind of form will not make the game an easy one for the home side.

The Cumbrians, who recently won 2-0 against Leeds United at Elland Road and also won 3-2 at home to promotion chasing MK Dons last Saturday, have taken seven points out of their last three games which have all been against top five teams in League One.

With fourteen League goals to his name (and 15 goals in total this season), striker Danny Graham will be the one to watch as he currently sits joint fourth in the League One top scorers list.

When the sides met earlier in the season at Brunton Park on a horrible wet day, it was Tranmere that took all three points as Carlisle lost their fourth game in a row during a run which eventually extended to ten games without a win and the end of Manager John Ward's tenure as Manager.

In that game, the fans had barely sat down when Ian Moore put the visitors 1-0 up after just 30 seconds of the game and when Ryan Shotton added to his impressive tally ten minutes from time to give Rovers a 2-0 lead, it seemed like it was game over.

However, Danny Graham added his seventh goal of the season in the final minute to make injury time tense for Rovers fans.  Tranmere hung on though and earned a win which was their third game unbeaten in a row away from home (a run which extended to five games before Rovers lost at Milton Keynes Dons in November).

As the Team News below proves, Rovers are depleted in the striking department but hopefully those who stand in can do the job and earn Rovers a fifth successive home win in the League - something that is much needed with their home form being so poor just at the moment.

If you are going to the game get behind the lads and make some noise as they go for the win and try to move up the League One Table.

Tranmere Team News

Ronnie Moore has a major selection headache upfront for this game with Bas Savage (suspension), Chris Greenacre and Craig Curran (both injured) all unavailable whilst young striker Terry Gornell took a knock in training although he should be fit to play.

Aside from the strikers, Moore has a full squad to choose from.

>>>CLICK HERE FOR PRE-MATCH STATS

Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United Match Preview

Discussion started by Total Tranmere (IP Logged), 23/01/2009 17:32

Total Tranmere
23/01/2009 17:32

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