By Deadly Submarine
August 8 2016

As Tranmere prepare to open their 2016/17 home campaign against Barrow on Tuesday evening, Deadly Submarine once again stands in for Louise Formston with his match preview ahead of the game.....     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home may not have been as much of a comfort for Rovers last season as their away trips were but a new season can sometimes bring a new start and Tranmere will be looking to kick off their new home campaign on Tuesday evening by beating Barrow at Prenton Park.

Form Guide:

Tranmere of course go into the Barrow game having earned a relatively comfortable 2-0 win away at Bromley in hot conditions on Saturday afternoon thanks to a brace of goals from last season’s top marksman James Norwood.

That victory extended the current Club Record unbeaten run of games to thirteen going back to the 4-1 defeat at Woking in late November last year.  Tranmere also haven’t conceded a goal away from home in their last five matches with their last goals allowed on the road coming from Guiseley who scored two in a 2-2 draw on 8^th March.

Despite the poor home form last season, Rovers did win their last competitive game at Prenton Park as they defeated Grimsby Town on the final day of the season – a side who of course went on to gain promotion to League Two via the play-offs a few weeks later.

Jeff Hughes was on target in last season's super comeback against Barrow

Rovers did however lose nine of their 23 home league games last season and will be looking to get off to a flying start in their own Stadium this time around.

Like Tranmere, Tuesday’s visitors Barrow won their opening game of the season on Saturday as they triumphed 1-0 over Aldershot at home thanks to a seventh minute goal from Liam Hughes and will now be looking to start well away from home as they visit Prenton Park.

Last season, The Bluebirds were defeated 13 times when playing away from home and like Rovers with their home form, will be looking to get off to a good start this season and improve their record from the last campaign.

Previous Meetings:

Tranmere and Barrow shared the spoils last season in their two League battles but not in the way a pair of results might be expected to be split.  Barrow came to Prenton Park on a Tuesday night in mid-October and left with all three points after Andy Haworth’s 37^th minute goal sealed a 1-0 win for the Cumbrian side.

That game at Prenton Park may have been uneventful but it was the return fixture at Holker Street in January that made headlines not only in England but around the world as Rovers battled back from 3-1 down in the 90^th minute to staggeringly win 4-3 -  a game which anyone who was there will never forget!

Injuries and Suspensions:

Tranmere appear to have come through Saturday’s red-hot conditions at Bromley unscathed and Gary Brabin should be able to choose from a full squad yet again for the game against Barrow.

Barrow have also not reported any further problems to their squad following the home win over Aldershot on Saturday.

My Starting XI:

 Davies

      Maynard       McNulty          Ihiekwe          Ridehalgh

         Hughes   S.Jennings   Harris        

C.Jennings                                Norwood

 Cook

I’m never one for changing a winning team so I have plumped for the team that started the win against Bromley on Saturday afternoon.

That being said, it’s possible that Maynard played right-back ahead of Vaughan to combat Bromley’s height upfront and we could possibly see Vaughan come in for him.  The only other possible change I can forsee is a start for Adam Mekki who was a second half substitute on Saturday but who he will replace would be difficult to call.

My Prediction:

Rovers were good on Saturday and there can be no doubt that the heat had an impact on a much poorer and much less exciting second half once Rovers had their two goal advantage. 

Whether Rovers can show they are over their problems at home is another matter against a Barrow side predicted to do well by some this season but I think Rovers will edge it – and as I got my prediction right in Saturday’s preview I’m hoping for more of the same!

Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Barrow