Match Day Thread Tranmere Rovers v Pompey

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Pompey and Tranmere have experienced contrasting fortunes at the start of 2020.

Kenny Jackett’s men enjoyed an unbeaten January and began February by beating Sunderland – their eighth successive victory.

It means that the Blues are just three points adrift of the automatic promotion places and still competing in two cup competitions.

But their next opponents have yet to taste league success in this calendar year and are aiming to keep their place in the division rather than escape it.

But Micky Mellon’s men are inside the drop zone and will have to make up a six-point gap to haul their way out.

Last month saw them beat top-flight Watford to progress in the FA Cup, although they were thrashed 6-0 by Manchester United in the next round.

It means they head into Saturday’s Prenton Park contest on the back of four successive defeats, including a 3-0 reverse on home soil against Doncaster in midweek.

Rovers were promoted last season, narrowly beating Newport at Wembley in the play-off final after finishing sixth.

And they were beaten 2-0 at Fratton Park earlier in the campaign, courtesy of goals from Ben Close and Tom Naylor.

TEAM NEWS

Oli Hawkins is not available this weekend after suffering concussion in Tuesday night’s reserve game at Exeter.

Bryn Morris is running outside again as he continues to step up his recovery from a long-term groin problem.

Tranmere are missing Ollie Banks (knee), Corey Blackett-Taylor (shin), Mark Ellis (knee), Morgan Feeney (hamstring) and Evan Gumbs (knee).

There is also a doubt over defender Peter Clarke, but former Fratton loanee James Vaughan is expected to lead the line.

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall
Pompey: 14 wins
Tranmere: 14 wins
7 draws

At Prenton Park
Pompey: 6 wins
Tranmere: 7 wins
4 draws

TICKETS

Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and none will be available to buy on the day of the game.

OFFICIALS

Referee: Michael Salisbury
Assistants: Chris Isherwood and Ian Smedley
Fourth Official: Hristo Karaivanov

BETTING

Pompey are the 4/6 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 15/4.

 

Their pitch is in an awful state, pdu. Surprised the EFL allow them to play home games on it. Just hope we don't pick up any serious injuries tomorrow

 

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Former Pompey loanee James Vaughan leads the Tranmere attack today.

 

A view of the Prenton Park pitch from the away end

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Referee blows his whistle, and the match kicks off.

 

Attempt missed. Alex Woodyard (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 3 minutes.

 

Pompey go so close to grabbing the lead. Ronan Curtis brings down a ball over the top and cuts inside. he cracks a right-footed shot that Davies tips away to his left. Ryan Williams and Callum Woods charge down the rebound and a goal kick is awarded. 5 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Luke McCullough (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 6 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Corey Taylor (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 6 minutes.

 

GOAL FOR POMPEY !!!!!!

 

0-1 to Pompey, with a headed goal from Sean Raggett, from a Ronan Curtis free kick. His first goal for the club. 13 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Corey Taylor (Tranmere Rovers) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. 17 minutes.

 

Attempt saved. James Vaughan (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Corey Taylor. 17 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Kieron Morris (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. 17 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Ellis Harrison (Portsmouth) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ronan Curtis. 26 minutes.

 

Yellow card for James Vaughan for deliberate hand ball. 31 minutes.