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The game promises to be a fierce encounter between two sides desperate for points. Millwall are looking to push away from the relegation zone and are in fine form after sacking Nigel Spackman, whilst Ronnie Moore's Tranmere are looking to get three points which would fire them back towards the automatic promotion spots.
Millwall team profile:
Formed: 1885
Ground: The New Den
Manager: Willie Donachie (Caretaker manager)
Nickname: The Lions
Season Finish 2005/06: 23rd (Coca-Cola Championship)
Previous Meetings:
The last time Tranmere Rovers played Millwall was in the 2003/04 F.A. Cup Quarter Final, the third time Rovers had reached this stage of the competition five years.
At The New Den, Rovers drew 0-0 with Dennis Wise's Millwall, although the score could have been different were it not for John Achterberg. The big Dutchman saved a Kevin Muscat penalty in the 75th minute, despite the fact that he dived the wrong way.
Gareth Roberts had Rovers best chance of the game, as his long range effort was saved by Lions 'keeper Marshall, live on BBC Television.
Due to the 0-0 draw, a replay was arranged, and 15,510 people packed into
However, the home fans were left in disappointment, as Dennis Wise' side were 2-0 up after just 15 minutes, thanks to well taken goals by forward Neil Harris and Tim Cahill, now Everton.
Rovers however were back in the match before half-time, as Iain Hume, now of
Tranmere were now dreaming of another comeback like the one's they were famous for in the Aldridge days, against the likes of Leeds and
Jones and Dadi both hit the post for Rovers, but the goal just wouldn't come, and it was Millwall who were destined for Old Trafford to play
Vital Stats:
After first meeting in the 1938/39 season, Tranmere and Millwall have only met 19 times, of which three games have been cup matches
Tranmere haven't beaten the Lions in their last five attempts
Millwall have never beaten Rovers in the league at Prenton Park, with Rovers winning 7 out of 10 meetings in all competitions
Tranmere are unbeaten at Prenton Park against Millwall in November, beating the Lions 5-1 and 2-1
Only three players who played for Tranmere in that F.A. Cup Quarter Final Replay remain at the club; John Achterberg, Danny Harrison and Ian Goodison
The Form Book:
Tranmere last 6 home games: LWLDDW
Millwall last 6 away games: LWWLLL
After a terrible start to the season, Millwall have started to find their form following the departure of Nigel Spackman. The former
However, away from home so far this season it has been a real struggle for Millwall. In their opening eight outings, The Lions have picked up just six points from an available 24, losing six games and winning two games.
They have also managed the record of scoring just nine goals, whilst conceding 18. They are in fact yet to keep a clean sheet on the road.
Recently however, they have managed two wins out of their last three games, victories against opposition who Tranmere have failed to beat on the road this season.
Firstly, after five consecutive defeats on the road, Rotherham were beaten 3-2 thanks to a 90th minute winner from Dunne after two strikes from Haynes completed a comeback from 2-0 down, whilst a week later, Carlisle United were defeated 2-1, with goals coming from Dunne and Hubertz.
Since these two wins, The Lions have lost their two game winning streak, as they were defeated 2-0 at The Liberty Stadium by
Leyton Orient (2-0),
For Tranmere, it has been a completely different start to the season. After a dream start for new boss Ronnie Moore, as he watched his Tranmere side four consecutive home games whilst conceding just one goal in the process, his side have come off the rails somewhat, with just one win in their last seven league games.
After initial wins over Oldham Athletic (1-0),
Firstly, league leaders
Tranmere then lost their unbeaten home record as Port Vale came to
Rovers have also played one home game in the cup competitions, against
Double Hit:
As always, it is difficult to find a player who has represented both Tranmere Rovers and their opposition, Millwall on this occasion. One player who has had the rare treat of representing both clubs is Chris Malkin.
Malkin, who was born in
He also made 38 League Cup and F.A. Cup appearances for Tranmere in his eight years on the Wirral, scoring 9 goals, but he will most certainly be remembered most fondly for "that" goal at Wembley.
In the Division Three play-off finals at Wembley against fierce rivals Bolton Wanderers, Malkin scored a last minute winner to guide Tranmere up into Division Two for the first time in their history, under the management of John King.
After eight successful seasons in
The Tranmere legend finished his career at local rivals
Team News:
Tranmere have got a number of injury worries ahead of Friday nights match, most occurring in the defeat to
However, Ronnie Moore will be glad to welcome back on-loan John Thompson at right-back, after the Irishman missed the defeat to Darlington because he has already represented
Jones' Prediction: Tranmere Rovers 2-0 Millwall
