Rovers will be hoping for a repeat result of the last time the two teams met on January 2nd 2006 as they look to get one more win which should see them safe from relegation for another year, whilst Rotherham are still in deep trouble and in desperate need of points.
Previous Meetings:
Last time Tranmere played Rotherham was on 2nd January 2006 when Rovers came out on top at Prenton Park, winning 3-2.
Goals from Danny Harrison, Calvin Zola got Rovers the points after they trailed 1-0 to the Millers through a 14th minute Barker goal. Hoskins got one back in the second half (the last goal scored by or against Rovers before a 32 day absense of goals) whilst Steve Davies was sent off for Tranmere and Barker sent off for Rotherham.
For many Rovers younger fans this will be their first trip to Millmoor I'm sure as Rovers have not played there for little over 15 years. Last time Tranmere played at Rotherham they drew 1-1.
Vital Stats:
Tranmere have only scored 29 goals in 29 games at Millmoor
Rovers haven't won at Millmoor since 16th October 1976
Tranmere haven't completed the double over Rotherham since the 1972/73 season
In 29 meetings at Millmoor, Rotherham have scored 60 goals
The last four meetings at Millmoor between the two sides have ended draws
The Form Book:
Rotherham Last 6 Home Games: DDWLWW
Tranmere Last 6 Away Games: DDDLWD
Rotherham's home form since Alan Knill was appointed manager around Christmas has improved dramatically, for the better. The Millers are on a run of just one home defeat in their last nine home matches.
Out of the eight unbeaten matches, they have beaten the likes of Bristol City (3-1), Oldham Athletic and Bournemouth (both 2-0) and Doncastor Rovers (1-0).
The four draws were against Huddersfield Town, Port Vale and Nottingham Forest (all 1-1) and Hartlepool United (0-0) so they are no easy team to beat at Millmoor.
They have in fact conceeded just seven goals at Millmoor in 2006, of which four were in one match in a 4-0 defeat to Chesterfield!
However, earlier in the season the likes of Swindon Town, Yeovil Town, Macclesfield Town and Mansfield Town all came to Millmoor and won. Maybe they are scared of team who's name ends with the word "Town".
They have also interestingly enough only picked up 1 point against teams who's name ends in the word "United". This came against Hartlepool United, whilst they have lost to Colchester United, Leeds United and Southend United.
Pity Tranmere are called Tranmere Rovers and not Tranmere Town or Tranmere United by looking at those stats. But then I don't think Tranmere Town or Tranmere United sounds as good as Tranmere Rovers!
Tranmere's away form meanwhile has been very mixed. They often travel away from home and do not attack the opposition, which explains why six of their last nine away games have been drawn, and a total of seven away draws all season.
After their first away win of 2006 at Swindon on 7th March, Rovers travelled to Yeovil's Huish Park for the first time and drew 2-2 on 25th March. Previous these two games however they have scored just one away goal in 2006, the total is now five!
Tranmere Team News:
Goalkeepers John Achterberg and Matthew Murray remain on the sidelines with groin and achillies injuries whilst influential midfielder Jason McAteer misses out through illness for Rovers.
Brian Little is expected to name the same squad that beat Port Vale 4-3-3 on Friday night. Either that, or he'll play the team that drew with Yeovil except for enforced changes.
Jones' Prediction: Rotherham 2-2 Tranmere
Top 15:
This week we have two Millers fans, Jamie and Paul, to make up for not being able to find a Port Vale fan last week!
- Who are you, what's your age and how long have you been supporting your club?
Jamie, 16, since I was a nip
Paul Keeton, 24, 1st game vs.
- What's your best moment as a football fan of your club?
Beating
The auto windscreen final win and beating Wednesday TWICE in the last minute
- And the worst?
Relegation last year
John Buckley a former
- Which player has been your all time favourite for your club?
Lee Glover
Shaun Goodwin, the best mullet I've ever seen!
- And who is your current favourite?
Lee Williamson
Lee Williamson, easily our best player and one will find hard to keep hold of
- What's your favourite away ground in League one?
Huddersfield's Galpharm
Scunthorpe, simply because there is always a cracking atmosphere at Glanford Park
- What has your form of late been like?
Very inconsistent, doing ok at home, but useless away
Win one play really well; lose one look like a pub team. Story of our season
- Who's the “one to watch”?
I would say Williamson, Forte or Barker
Lee Williamson, covers every inch of grass and Jon Forte has scored 4 in 4. Oh and
- Do you have any youngsters to look out for?
Will Hoskins
Forte on loan from
- What's your biggest threat, as in corners, set pieces etc.
Colin Murdock
Forte has bags of pace and does cause problems in behind.
- At the start of the season, what was your predicted finish for the season?
Just out side play-offs
Honestly thought the play offs were achievable
- Where do you see yourselves finishing now?
Hopefully just outside the relegation zone.
Heart says out of relegation, head says relegated
- Do you think either of Tranmere or your team will get relegated or promoted?
Nope we will be playing each other next season.
We could possibly go down.
- Are you a little surprised by Tranmere's performance so far this season?
I'm more disappointed as I expected you to be challenging for the title
Yes, I tipped yourselves for automatic promotion
- Finally, your prediction for today's game?
2-1 Millers
2-1 Millers