Tranmere Rovers
Match Preview: Bromley v Tranmere Rovers
By Louise Formston
January 24 2016
As Tranmere prepare to for the long trip to Bromley on Saturday afternoon, Louise Formston returns with her match preview ahead of the game.....
After two weeks without a game, Tranmere travel south to Bromley as they look to pick up where they left off at Barrow. Bromley meanwhile, were supposed to be playing midweek against Grimsby but it was called off due to weather, a frozen pitch or they just couldn’t be bothered - take your pick of options! Just of note, this Saturday’s game will be Bromley’s third in succession at home, with Southport visiting on the 9th January and then Grimsby in midweek (although it was called off!). Next week however, Bromley will travel to Cheltenham while Rovers’ will host Torquay.
Previous Meetings:
The teams met for the first time back in October when Bromley visited Prenton Park and Rovers promptly sent them back to Kent with a grand total of 0 points and 0 goals after Tranmere stretched their unbeaten run to eight games. Two goals each from both Andy Mangan and Johnny Margetts saw Tranmere score four for the second time this season, whilst Bromley were reduced to ten men after Lee Minshull was shown a straight red for an off the ball incident.
Form Guide:
Since that game Rovers’ form became somewhat inconsistent as we racked up nine losses and just five wins as winter drew in. Following their loss at Prenton Park, Bromley have also struggled for form and have won just once since the end of October leaving them 13th in the table, six points behind Rovers although I would argue that without the fantastic start to the season Bromley had, they could be looking at a relegation spot currently despite coming up as Vanarama National League South Champions last summer.
Despite a loss to Macclesfield at the start of the year Rovers had a pretty successful period with a draw and two wins. Tranmere’s last run out saw them go 3-1 down to Barrow before an incredible comeback saw Rovers 4-3 winners - a game that made the news around the world I’m led to believe!
Injuries and Suspensions:
James Norwood missed the Barrow game due to a stomach issue and found himself on his way to hospital whilst Adam Mekki put away a penalty in the opening ten minutes. Norwood however has had his blood tests return clear and he’s back in contention for Saturday. With all cards being wiped in the new year, there are no suspensions for Tranmere ahead of the weekend.
One To Watch:
Moses Emmanuel (26) - Striker
I picked Emmanuel as my one to watch back in October when these two sides met and sticking with him again this weekend. With 17 goals so far this season, he’s well ahead of Bromley’s other players in the competition for top goal scorer. His closest rival is Louis Dennis on five goals. If Bromley are going to score against us at the weekend, something they haven’t done yet, my money is on Emmanuel having something to do with it.
My Starting XI:
Davies
Vaughan McNulty Ihiekwe Hill
Jennings Harris
Hughes Maynard Kirby
Norwood
Self explanatory really this week - why change a defence that’s finally starting to get to know each other and settled? If I had to be pushed, I’d bring in Ridehalgh for Hill as I think our left is now our weakest side. Maynard to stay behind the striker, I think he plays best here and Kirby rewarded with a start after his goal against Barrow.
A score? Anything that ends in a Rovers win!
I promise to sleep through this game. Every away game I’ve slept through from the comfort of my sofa, we’ve scored four.
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24/01/2016 11:16
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I thought it only fair to still post it so that people can read it (albeit after the event)!
Sorry!
