Tranmere R Vs Leeds Utd
Coca-Cola League One at Prenton Park
After what seems like an eternity, the first game of the season is upon us as Rovers host newly relegated, former European Cup contenders Leeds United at Prenton Park. How the mighty have fallen in recent years.
Following the recent 'will it or won't it go ahead' scenario, Leeds were finally given the go ahead to start the new season last Friday but only at the expense of an unprecedented 15 point deduction that means the Yorkshire side will have to gain the equivalent of five wins before they even break even on League Points, surely making it a difficult season ahead for them.
The bonus for Leeds fans in the build up to this game has been the permission to finally sign players for the new season, something that Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet have been unable to do since United's relegation to League One back in May.
In terms of history, the two sides have never met before in League competition but they have met four times in Cup competitions with Tranmere having the success in the most recent match back in October 2000 at Prenton Park.
Rovers looked down and out at half-time after two goals from Darren Huckerby had put the then Premiership side into a decent lead. However in true Tranmere style at that particular time, the home side came back in the second half through Andy Parkinson and Steve Yates to force extra-time.
Just when the game looked like it was heading to penalties, Parkinson netted a winner in the final minute of extra time to seal a memorable win against David O'Leary's men.
Tranmere have looked good in pre-season against local lower leagues sides, scoring a total of nineteen goals and conceding just one but it was their performances against more testing opposition that will have most encouraged Rovers fans.
After a hearty home performance against Premiership side Bolton Wanderers ended in a somewhat harsh 1-0 defeat, Tranmere then deservedly beat Championship side Stoke City a week later in another home friendly thanks to goals from Ian Goodison and Steve Davies.
Leeds have managed two pre-season wins away at Shelbourne and Darlington but most recently were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Premiership side Wigan Athletic thanks to two goals from ex-Rovers midfielder Jason Koumas either side of a strike by Jermaine Beckford for United.
The game is sure to be well attended by both sets of fans and hopefully Rovers can give a performance that will encourage one off fans turning up for this game to attend more often.
Team News
Tranmere Rovers
Rovers Boss Ronnie Moore has injury concerns over midfielder John Mullin (ankle) and striker Gareth Taylor (knee) but otherwise they should be at full strength for the season opener.
Ben Chorley, Anthony Kay and Adnan Ahmed all in line for their League debuts for Tranmere whilst fourth summer signing Danny Coyne is set to make his return for the first time in his second spell at the Club.
Leeds are without both Tore Andre Flo (broken toe) and Leon Constantine (ankle), whilst new signing David Prutton is suspended and will therefore not take part.
Alan Thompson is likely to partner Jonathan Douglas in midfield whilst Curtis Weston and Andrew Hughes may also take part in the game.
Match Referee - Lee Mason (Lancashire)