A week after a dramatic 3-2 win over Cheltenham, Tranmere host MK Dons at Prenton Park. It’s an opportunity to make it consecutive League Two victories for the first time this season. After a flying start last weekend which saw us two goals to the good within eleven minutes, the game slowly ebbed away from the team and we were lucky to claim three points in the end.
Nevertheless, there’s a bit of breathing space between Rovers and the bottom two teams after that maximum. It takes a little bit of pressure off this clash against an MK Dons side who are favourites to win the League Two title. Former Derby County and Rotherham United manager Paul Warne is in charge of an ambitious outfit.
Tranmere Outsiders to Land a Victory Against Dons
The bookies think Tranmere are marginally less likely to pick up three points compared to their opponents. Home form doesn’t make for pretty reading. Only two victories have been landed in eight games at Prenton Park. Four ended in draws along with the defeats against Notts County and Barnet.
On the flip side, the only League Two defeat that Rovers have suffered since losing at home to Barnet was that last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Swindon. However, performance levels haven’t been particularly strong and this will clearly be a tough assignment for them.
MK Only Beaten Once on the Road This Season
MK Dons sit third in the League Two table. They have a healthy enough return of twenty-eight points from the sixteen matches played, although they’re not walking the division like many predicted. Recent form has been mixed, with a 2-0 home win over Salford coming after a defeat (Bromley), victory (Colchester) and a draw (Barnet) on the road.
There’s a big budget at Milton Keynes considering that Warne was recruited along with the calibre of players in the squad. Former TRFC player Rushian Hepburn-Murphy is in the ranks, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing being a quality operator for this level and he was playing for Derby in the Championship last term.
Jack Sanders is a clearance machine in defence along with Luke Offord, with Callum Paterson another experienced operator who has previously scored goals for Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City. However, they’ve only won 50% of games on the road.
How Will Tranmere Line Up for MK Dons Clash?
Crosby will have been very pleased with the intensity shown by Rovers in the early stages of the clash against Cheltenham. There was a relatively strong bench and five of the subs made an appearance, with the majority making an impact and ultimately helping us to a win.
Billy Blacker, Aaron McGowan and Kristian Dennis may all nudge their way into the starting XI. The former should hopefully replace Richie Smallwood and partner the in-form Sam Finley in the centre of midfield. Similarly, McGowan should come into the back three in place of Jason Lowe.
Much as Connor Jennings is a legendary figure at Tranmere, perhaps Dennis will be given the nod and it will be interesting to see how he works with Joe Ironside. The pair are both good finishers but there’s a lack of pace when it comes to both players.
Predicted XI: Murphy; McGowan, Smith, Brough; Joseph, Finley, Blacker, Patrick; Whitaker; Ironside, Dennis
What Will The TRFC v MK Dons Score Be?
MK Dons run a relatively tight ship on the road. They’re only conceding an average of one goal per game on their travels. They’re also averaging nearly two goals. Seven of Tranmere’s eleven goals have come in two of eight games. Therefore, scoring continues to be a problem.
While I hope I am wrong and loathe to predict a defeat in this game, the performance levels have not been convincing home or away.
PREDICTION: TRFC 1 MK Dons 2
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.
