Doncaster Rovers are the visitors for the 32nd time, looking for a win which would push them into the play-offs as long as Swansea and Nottingham Forest both fail to win.
Previous Meetings:
Earlier in the season at Belle Vue, Rovers beat Doncaster 2-0 thanks to second half goals to Steve Davies, his first professional goal for the club and a last minute goal for Stephen Jennings.
At Prenton Park in March 2005, Doncaster ran out 4-2 winners on Easter Monday. The score was already 2-1 after 11 minutes thanks to goals from McIndoe and Blundell for Doncaster before Dadi pulled one back for Tranmere. Paul Hall equalised in the 44th minute after Dadi had been sent off in the 33rd and after half time Ravenhill and Roberts made sure Donny took the three points back to Yorkshire.
Earlier in the season at Belle Vue, the game ended goal-less although Calvin Zola and Danny Harrison both missed open goals from only a matter of yards out, each hitting the Porta-cabins acting as Executive Boxes behind the goal.
Vital Stats:
Tranmere haven't beaten Doncaster at Prenton Park since the 1979/80 season (four games previous)
Tranmere and Doncaster met on 6th May 1989, the same date the teams meet this season at Belle Vue, the game ended 0-0
In 31 games at Prenton Park, the two teams have served up 92 goals
Over 65 games at all venues, Tranmere have lost 31 times and only won 17 times
Doncaster have only failed to score eight times at Prenton Park
The Form Book:
Tranmere last 6 home games: LWLWLL
Doncaster last 6 away games: DDWLLW
The key word for Doncaster's away form this season is inconsistency. Despite seven away wins, the same amount as Tranmere, they have not managed to win two games in a row away from hime, in the league.
Of late, Doncaster have managed some great away wins. Beating Southen 1-0 a couple of weeks ago was a great boost for their play-offs chances along with a fantastic 1-0 win at Griffin Park against Brentford.
However, these away wins have been coupled with poor defeats of late at the likes of Yeovil Town (3-0) and Bradford City (2-1). If they are pushing for the play-offs the y should really be aiming to at least take a point from these games.
A Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield ended 2-2 recently whilst they have also taken points away from the likes of Hartlepool (1-1).
Also this season, Donny have managed wins at MK Dons (3-2), Chesterfield and Oldham (1-0), Barnsley (2-0), Swansea and Scunthorpe (2-1) in the league.
These have however been coupled with away defeats at the likes of Blackpool (4-2), Swindon (2-1), Rotherham (1-0), Nottm Forest (4-0), Port Vale (2-0), Bournemouth (2-1) and Walsall (1-0).
These away defeats at lower placed opposition appear to be their weakness and they aren't going to push for the play-offs any time soon with away form like that!
Tranmere's home form has been just as poor. Still with only one home win on a Saturday since 22nd January 200, Rovers go into this one on the back of two home defeats to Bristol City (3-0) and Nottm Forest (1-0).
Before these two games they had beaten Port Vale 3-0 but lost 2-1 to Walsall and then before that they had beaten Chesterfield 4-1 (this their only home win on a Saturday since January 2005). Inconsistency or what?!
Results have been somewhat strange as although they managed to beat the likes of Huddersfield Town with 10 men 2-1, Yeovil 4-1 and Rotherham 3-2, there have always been poor defeats to go with them, such as 4-1 to Brentford and 2-0 to Scunthorpe.
Tranmere Team News: Stephen O'Leary misses out again through suspension whilst goalkeeper John Achterberg and striker Calvin Zola still have thigh trouble. Sam Aiston is also out with a hamstring injury whilst Ian Goodison also misses out.
Jones' Prediction: Tranmere 1-1 Doncaster
Top 15:
After a one month absense, Top 15 returns with Doncastor fan Phil Courts.
- Who are you, what's your age and how long have you been supporting your club.
Phil Cortes, 23, Supported Rovers for 3 years (when I moved to
- What's your best moment as a football fan of your club?
Aston Villa,
- And the worst?
I'll let you know at
- Which player has been your all time favourite for your club?
Brian Deane. What a legend. Not.
- And who is your current favourite?
Unfortunately I'm a fan of Michael McIndoe, but dependant on whether he comes back for next season. Other than that it would be Ricky Ravenhill, who is an old school friend of my neighbour.
- What's your favourite away ground in League one?
Valley Parade, probably one of the biggest in the league anyway.
- What has your form of late been like?
Toward the end of the season it's been tight. Good home form has carried is into an outsiders chance of reaching the play-offs, but we just aren't scoring enough goals.
- Who's the “one to watch”?
Anthony Griffith. A young player who has picked up the last two man of the match awards, if I'm not mistaken.
- Do you have any youngsters to look out for?
Same as above, he's 19.
- What's your biggest threat, as in corners, set pieces etc.
Probably one on one's (keeper hardly ever comes out)
- At the start of the season, what was your predicted finish for the season?
I'd personally thought 5th.
- Where do you see yourselves finishing now?
Right where we are now, 8th.
- Do you think either of Tranmere or your team will get relegated or promoted?
I don't think that will happen to either side. (Although praying on Saturday)
- Are you a little surprised by Tranmere's performance so far this season?
I can't say I've followed their form or league standings.
- Finally, your prediction for today's game?
2-1 to the Rovers (I'd have to say that). James Coppinger and Neil Roberts for us and John Aldridge nods the consolation goal for you (bad joke).