Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers v Eastleigh

As the new season moves into it's second weekend already, Louise Formston returns from holiday refreshed and ready for a season of  Match Previews ahead.  Here Louise brings us her Preview of Saturday's game against Eastleigh......

After a month visiting South America and Europe I am back with my first preview of the season as Rovers welcome Eastleigh to Prenton Park in their second home game on the run.

Form Guide:

With two wins in two Tranmere will be keen to extend that run to three whilst Scott Davies will be aiming to get his third clean sheet on the bounce.  Eastleigh have started similarly with a win and a draw - their draw coming on Tuesday away to Braintree.  As well as being two points and two places ahead of Eastleigh, Rovers are already boasting a good goal difference.

Previous Meetings:

Last season saw the teams split the points 50/50.  Eastleigh won the game at Prenton Park back in October 2-1 in a match that saw both Lois Maynard and James Constable being sent off.  The goals came from Steve Jennings, James Constable and Joe Partington.  However, in Rovers’ trip to the Silverlake Stadium a goal from James Norwood ensured that Rovers came home with all three points.

Injuries and Suspensions:

Steve Jennings has already picked up a booking in both games this season but is in no danger of suspension.  Meanwhile in what has to be the strangest thing I’ve seen in the National League, Liam Ridehalgh was substituted prior to the game on Tuesday night, with Rovers kicking off with only ten men on the pitch before Lee Vaughan joined the field.  The extent of the injury has yet to be confirmed by the club, but Brabin did reveal Liam had picked up a knock during the warm up.

Liam Ridehalgh may miss out against Eastleigh after injury in the warm-up on Tuesday

The Opposition Dugout:

Chris Todd remains in charge of Eastleigh, having overseen them to a 7th place finish last season where they finished on 75 points, three behind Rovers and five off the playoffs.  Although he has yet to play since taking over last September from what I can gather Todd is still registered as a defender with the club.

Player Spotlight:

James Constable remains an ever present in the Eastleigh line of attack scoring 17 goals in 42 games last season.  So far the goals for Eastleigh have come from midfielder Andy Drury and Joe Partington in defence.  On Thursday Eastleigh have signed Reda Johnson after his contract at Coventry City came to an end.  After leaving Morecambe at the end of the season former Tranmere man Adam Dugdale joined Eastleigh in June but has yet to start for the Spitfires. Similarly, Adam Dawson, best know for not resigning for Rovers after a successful loan spell, also signed for Eastleigh this summer but has yet to get any game time this season.

Around the League:

Lincoln vs Sutton United:  Early league leaders Lincoln will welcome newly promoted Sutton United.

Forest Green vs Gateshead:  After a great start to last season FGR have found themselves with mixed form whilst Gateshead sit second in the league with equal points to Rovers.

York vs Boreham Wood:  The National League newboys play host to Rovers’ next opponents on Saturday.  York have won one and drawn one, whilst Boreham Wood have beaten both Dover and Forest Green so far this season.

My Starting XI:

  Davies

Vaughan         Ihiekwe           McNulty          Hughes

S.Jennings    Maynard         Harris

C.Jennings                  Cook                           Norwood

 Why change a team that is winning?  Whilst I hope that Ridehalgh is fit to return to the side, if he isn’t then Jeff Hughes made a very competent left back and was well supported by all three of the midfield players when needed.  Vaughan had a great game on Tuesday and if only his crossing was that bit more accurate!

I’d argue that Tuesday’s game was the best midfield display I’ve seen from Rovers in some time.  Maynard adapted well to his sudden switch into midfield and he demonstrated everything we hoped he would this time last season.  With him providing defensive cover (he was everywhere in the second half!) Steve Jennings and Jay Harris played much more advanced roles and it seemed to work.

This was the first time I’d seen Connor Jennings play and I was impressed - we’ve been crying out for a player with his creativity and his desire to take on players for years!  I can cope with him being a bit selfish and taking on a shot after passing four players instead of passing once in a while if he continues to put in displays like he did.  Norwood was a little off target from open play on Tuesday but after scoring two the previous game I’m not worried!

Score Prediction?  I don’t think we’ll stop Eastleigh scoring, but I do think we can out score them.  2-1 to Rovers.

Many thanks to Deadly Sub for filling in whilst I was away and providing me with updates of the team!  If anyone wants any travel advice for Brazil, you know where I am!