Chesterfield vs. Tranmere match preview

Last updated : 24 August 2006 By Matthew Jones
Calvin Zola misses the game due to a himstring injury, leaving Ronnie Moore with only three fit strikers
After a midweek of mixed emotions for Tranmere and Chesterfield, the two teams meet at Saltergate this Saturday looking for their third victory of the season.

Each team possess seven points after four league games, meaning a win for either team would take them three points clear of the other, and possibly secure them fifth place in the table.




Chesterfield Profile:


Formed: 1866

Ground: Saltergate

Manager: Roy McFarland

Nickname: The Spireites

Season Finish 2005/06: 16th (Coca-Cola League One)


Previous Meetings:

Under Brian Little, Tranmere Rovers enjoyed playing Chesterfield, winning four and drawing two meetings between the two sides when the former Aston Villa manager was in charge.

Most recently, in the 2005/06 season, Tranmere did the double over Chesterfield with two convincing wins.

At Saltergate on August 27th, a day later than Rovers face the same opponents this season, Tranmere scored their first away goals of the season and eventually won 2-0.

Mike Jackson opened his account for the season with a header to put Rovers in the lead before Gareth Roberts scored the goal which was later to be named goal of the season by Rovers fans - a 35 yard free-kick which screamed into the top corner.

Later on in the season in March, Rovers won 4-1 at Prenton Park against The Spireites. Sam Aiston netted two for Rovers, including one 25-yard half volley, along with goals from on-loan Stephen O'Leary and striker Calvin Zola.

Vital Stats:

Chesterfield have won 28 out of 46 meetings between the two sides at Saltergate

In 94 meetings, only 21 have been in the cup or in a league above the third division (League One and lower)

Tranmere have scored two or more goals in their last three games against Chesterfield

The is the sixth consecutive season that the two sides have been in the same division

On 26th August, Tranmere have conceededs 34 goals in 19 games

The Form Book:

Chesterfield First 5 Games:
Tranmere First 5 Games: WLDWL

Chesterfield fans have suffered a stuttering, inconsistent start to the season. An opening day win away at Bournemouth (3-0) was followed up by a 0-0 draw with Carlisle and then a 5-1 win against Millwall (both at Saltergate) before they succumbed 3-2 to Port Vale at Vale Park last weekend.

However, midweek Chesterfield earned a fantastic penalty shoot out win over Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers at Saltergate, after the game had ended 0-0 following 120 minutes of play in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Rovers have also endured an inconsistent start to the season. An opening day win over Oldham (1-0) proved to be their only win (and only goal) in their opening three games, as they lost away to Cheltenham (1-0) and drew at Belle Vue with Doncaster Rovers.

However, a return to Prenton Park saw them return to winning ways, as they beat Yeovil Town 2-1 thanks to first Tranmere goals for John Mullin and Kevin Ellison.

Midweek also saw Rovers go to extra-time in the Carling Cup against Championship side Hull City at the KC Stadium.

After taking the lead through a Shane Cansdell-Sherriff header, Rovers sat back and allowed Hull to bring the game to them. Hull promptly obliged and after equalising in normal time through a Ben Burgess header, the Tigers roared and scored a second in extra time, courtesy of a wonder strike from Darryl Duffy.

Team News:

Rovers will be without both Calvin Zola and Danny Harrison for the game on Saturday. Zola injured is hamstring against Hull in midweek and is expected to be out for between three and six weeks, leaving Ronnie Moore with a real dillema in the forward department. Harrison meanwhile still has an ankle injury and is expected to be out for another 5 weeks.

Jones' Prediction: Chesterfield 0-1 Tranmere Rovers