Tranmere Rovers vs. Oldham Athletic Match Preview

John Sheridan takes charge of Oldham for the first time on Saturday

The 2006/07 football season will kick off for Tranmere Rovers against local(ish) rivals Oldham Athletic. How ironic it is that the opponent for Tranmere should be the team that released Ronnie Moore of his services just days before he was employed by Tranmere Rovers.

It will be Oldhams 34th visit to Prenton Park, but who will come out on top and hit the ground running in what is destined to be a fantastic 2006/07 season?

The game will be John Sheridan's first in charge as Oldham boss, after he was appointed new Latics manager the day Ronnie Moore was sacked.

Sheridan said that he is looking forward to the game and believes both sides have a shot at Promotion this season, and should be there or there abouts come May.


Oldham Athletic Profile:

Formed: 1899

Ground: Boundary Park

Manager: John Sheridan

Nickname: The Latics

Season Finish 2005/06: 10th (Coca-Cola League One)

Vital Stats:

The last time a Tranmere vs Oldham match finished goalless was on August 23rd 1952, in English Division Three (North).

Last season, the away side failed to score in both meetings between the two sides, with Oldham winning 1-0 at Boundary Park and Rovers winning 4-0 at Prenton Park.

Rovers legend Gareth Roberts scored his final goal at Prenton Park for Tranmere against Oldham last season, however his final goal for Rovers came against Chesterfield a week later.

Tranmere's biggest ever win was over Oldham in the 1934/35 season, when Rovers ran out 13-4 winners at Prenton Park.

Rovers have never before previously played on August 5th, the day when the 2006/07 season will kick off.

Team News:

Tranmere only have one injury worry ahead of Saturdays game, as John Achterberg remains on the sideline with his niggling groin injury, although he is expected to return to action soon.

However, Oldham have three players who will all miss Saturday's curtain raiser at Prenton Park.

Former Blackpool player Richie Wellens, who scored the winner for Oldham at Boundary Park last season, has a hamstring injury whilst Mouassa Dabo has a knee injury and will also miss the game. Finally, Oldham Keeper Terry Smith is also out of the game with a knee ligament strain but Chris Hall and Chris Porter are expected to return.

Jones' Prediction: Tranmere 1-1 Oldham

Meanwhile, Tranmere Rovers mad would like to pass on their condolances to Denise Breckin, the wife of Rovers' assistant manager John Breckin. We hope John can pull through these hours of great need.