Trannmere Rovers v Leeds United Match Preview
By Ste McKeownTRFC
December 5 2008
Stephen McKeown brings a detailed preview of the game tomorrow against Leeds United at Prenton Park in which Rovers will be looking for some revenge after a late show of goals last term saw the Yorkshire side come out 2-1 winners. A win would be a major boost ahead of the FA Cup replay on Tuesday night.
Saturday 6th December 2008 - Kick Off 3.00pm
Tranmere R Vs Leeds U
Coca Cola League One Action from Prenton Park
Tomorrow sees the much anticipated encounter in which previous giants Leeds United come to Prenton Park to entertain Tranmere Rovers. There is as expected going to be a big turn out from both sets of supporters making for a great atmosphere and hopefully a great footballing game to go with it.
Most of the Super White Army are fearful of a backlash from the team who were dumped out of the FA Cup at the second hurdle after being at the hands of a giant killing by Conference side Histon United. It was a humbling 1-0 defeat infront of the television cameras, their first against non-league opposition so the team from Yorkshire are sure to be fired up to prove their critics wrong.
The two teams have no previous big rivalry though many teams in League One love to take the scalp of their counterparts. Last season saw mixed fortunes for both teams as United ran out 2-1 winners after two late goals from the now Millwall striker Tresnor Kandol and Jermaine Beckford.
However in the reverse fixture at Elland Road, which was ironically Gary McAllisters first match in charge, saw Tranmere dominate proceedings from start to finish, scoring two fine goals from the returning debutant Ian Moore and on loan Bristol City player Jennison Myrie-Williams, with the scoreline of 2-0 almost flattering the hosts.
Tranmere Rovers go in to the game having picked up a good run of form lately, and playing the kind of football that has been craved for at Prenton Park. The away goalless draw at Peterborough last week in the FA Cup, bossing the side fifth from League One underlines the route that Ronnie Moore is trying to take his side.
Last time out at Prenton Park a 2-0 home win against below par Scunthorpe was the tonic for a push up the table. Leeds's away form has been inconsistent, having lost four out of there last five games in all competitons with defeats at the hands of Rotherham in the League Cup and Histon included.
There is only one connection between players who have tasted both camps and that is Ronnie Moore's son Ian who was a fans favourite at Elland Road. He enjoyed a good spell during 2005-2007 before being transferred to Hartlepool United and from there brought to Prenton Park on deadline day January 2008 a free transfer. Ian has demanded a high price for his services over the years but has been very productive where ever he has been.
Team News
Ronnie Moore has a good side at his disposal tomorrow with only Danny Holmes and Chris Greenacre doubts on the team sheet. The loss of Greenacre means Terry Gornell could possibly be given a full start, or Ronnie might opt a 4-5-1 which would be something of a shock considering how well the team have played the traditional 4-4-2 in the last couple of home games.
Gary McAllister has a selection headache comparsionable to Ronnie Moore's a couple weeks back at Yeovil with a number of his first team squad missing through injury and suspension.
Prolific striker Jermaine Beckford is out for a month, while Fabain Delph, Andy Robinson & Alan Huntington are absent for this weekends clash. This will hopefully give the team a huge confidence boost and supporters alike.
Match Officials
R L Shoebridge (Referee)
C N Harwood & I Nolan (Linesman)
A J Scregg (Fourth Official)
Top Scorers
Tranmere Rovers - Bas Savage, Ryan Shotton* & Chris Shuker (5 Goals)
* Shotton's loan spell now ended.
Leeds United - Jermaine Beckford (19 Goals)
Head to Head League Record
Tranmere Rovers Vs Leeds United
Home: P1 W0 D0 L1 F1 A2
Overall: P2 W1 D0 L1 F3 A2
Form Guide
Tranmere Rovers: League Position 9th (Points 27)
Last Six (All Comps): WDWDLW P18 W8 D3 L7 F26 A23
Home: WDWWLL P9 W5 D1 L3 F17 A11
Leeds United: League Position 7th (Points 32)
Last Six (All Comps): LWWWLL P18 W6 D1 L2 F21 A11
Away: LWLWLL P9 W4 D1 L4 F11 A11
Last Meeting of Teams
Saturday 2nd February 2008 - Elland Road
Leeds United 0 (0) - (0) 2 Tranmere Rovers
Myrie Williams 61
Moore 69
Tranmere Team: Coyne, Stockdale, Goodison, Kay, Taylor, Myrie-Williams(Curran 89), McLaren, Jennings, Cansdell-Sherriff, Zola, Moore (Greenacre 86)
Subs not Used: Achterberg, Mullin, Chorley.Attendance: 24907
Prenton Park Stadium Information
Click Here for Information on Prenton Park
May battle commence!!
Here hoping for an entertaining game and Leeds winning 3-1
Well we know what makes the flowers grow - but we don't know why
And we all have the knowledge of DNA - but we still die
Like I've said elsewhere I've gone for a score draw I would say 2-2.