Tranmere are likely to climb into the top half of the League Two table if they manage to beat Crewe on Saturday. Since losing 2-1 at Swindon, Rovers have collected ten points from their past four matches and the threat of relegation now feels very faint.
Andy Crosby is certainly looking in an upwards direction. He’ll be challenging his players to rise up the standings during the festive season and there are some winnable fixtures starting with the arrival of Alex.
Indeed, a victory over Lee Bell’s side would see Tranmere leapfrog Crewe in the League Two table, although the Wirral side have only won two of their nine matches at Prenton Park. After thrashing Shrewsbury in the August sun, the only other victory on home soil has come somewhat fortunately against Cheltenham Town.
Crosby will hope that the team can reproduce the performance that helped them win 3-0 at Holker Street on Tuesday night, with a Charlie Whitaker free-kick breaking the deadlock before Joe Ironside and Kristian Dennis were able to convert from the spot.
How Will Tranmere Line Up Against Crewe?
Why mend a bike that isn’t broken? The starting XI against Barrow acquitted themselves well in difficult conditions. We would expect Ethan Bristow to retain his place at left wing-back, with Jayden Joseph on the opposite side.
Captain Richie Smallwood is expected to retain his place in midfield alongside the impressive Billy Blacker. Crosby spoke about the blossoming partnership between Kristian Dennis and Joe Ironside, with the pair expected to operate in attack.
Predicted XI: Murphy; Norman, Smith, Brough; Joseph, Smallwood, Blacker, Bristow; Whitaker; Ironside, Dennis
Crewe Without a Win in Five
The Cheshire side were going along very nicely until mid-November although they haven’t won any of their past five games. This includes League Two encounters against Oldham, Chesterfield, Cambridge and Newport.
There was a goalless draw at Boundary Park before a thrilling 3-3 at home to Chesterfield. Then came a 2-1 defeat at the Abbey Stadium before somehow failing to put a 10-man Newport side to bed during the week.
What is the Big Match Prediction?
Can we really feel confident that Tranmere will win this game? It does appear things are on an upwards trajectory and Rovers have scored ten goals in their past four League Two matches. Defensively, we have shipped twice against both Cheltenham and MK Dons at home.
Therefore, a victory might be a high-scoring affair. Ironside and Dennis are both looking sharp and the form of Whitaker has been spectacular. For that reason, we’ll plump for a slender win in what is something of a north-west rivalry.
PREDICTION: Tranmere 2 Crewe 1
Matthew Glazier
I write content for a living and spend a lot of time watching Tranmere Rovers. You have to experience the lows to fully enjoy the highs! I run a bit and enjoy drinking pretentious craft beer. Fontaines DC are the by far the greatest band the world has ever seen.
