Tranmere Rovers have registered four wins in all competitions this season and three have come on the road. In addition, nine of their sixteen League Two points have come on Rovers’ travels, and they’ll head to the County Ground having avoided defeated in five of their seven away clashes.
Although Swindon are second in the League Two standings, this fixture won’t be too daunting for a Tranmere side who ran Stockport County close in the FA Cup last weekend. They could well have led by the break and pegged back the League One leaders only to lose 3-1 in the end.
Rovers have been competitive in every away game this season aside from Salford City. Even that game saw us have a second-half purple patch where we got level with the Ammies and then created plenty of gilt-edged chances before succumbing to defeat.
The other defeat came at Walsall and we were firmly in the ascendancy after equalising in that one too. However, the shipping of goals continues to be a problem and there have been thirteen conceded away from home so far.
Ironside Set for Rovers Return at County Ground?
Joe Ironside was the marquee signing at Prenton Park in the summer. The 32-year-old has made a promising start after signing a three-year deal although the former Doncaster striker only had one goal on the board before sustaining an injury during the 4-1 victory over Bristol Rovers.
While Connor Jennings has filled in admirably in recent matches, there’s little doubt that Ironside was signed to lead the Rovers line. He actually came close to scoring at the Memorial Ground and the fact remains is that he’s been starved of service since signing for the Wirral club. Hopefully he can now start getting among the goals.
Swindon Without a Win in Five Matches
The Robins began the season with a defeat at Walsall, although they swiftly clicked into gear and enjoyed seven wins in the space of eight games between the end of August and the beginning of October. Things have gone a little awry since then, with a 4-0 hammering at Accrington Stanley being followed by home draws against Notts County and Colchester.
However, they did hold League One Rotherham United to a 1-1 FA Cup draw last weekend before claiming a victory in extra-time. This was despite being reduced to ten men when League Two top scorer Aaron Drinan was given a red card. It could be a blessing that Tranmere won’t be facing him, although former white Paul Glatzel has four for the season.
How Will Tranmere Line Up at Swindon?
The starting line-up might not be altogether different from the team that started against Stockport County. We would expect Joe Murphy to return between the sticks, with Joe Ironside likely to line up from the start after getting 45 minutes under his belt against the Hatters.
Connor Jennings would be unlucky to miss out and Charlie Whitaker is likely to adopt a central position which may see the former partner Ironside in attack.
Predicted team: Murphy; McGowan, Smith, Brough; Norman, Finley, Blacker, Patrick; Whitaker, Ironside, Jennings
Predicted Score?
Rovers have avoided defeat more often than not on the road this season. They were far from convincing at Accrington last time out but can make their point on the road once again.
Swindon 1 Tranmere 1
