Brighton and HA v Tranmere Rovers Match Preview

All the pre-match build-up as Rovers make the long Tuesday night trip to Brighton in Coca-Cola League One, looking to end a long running Tuesday night away jinx and keep their current unbeaten five match run intact ahead of Saturday's home game against Millwall.

Brighton & HA Vs Tranmere

Tuesday 12th February 2008 - Kick-Off 7.45pm

Coca-Cola League One at Withdean Stadium

Rovers travel to the South Coast on Tuesday night with a five game unbeaten run behind them in the League but they will be kicking themselves that the run does not include five straight wins after Leyton Orient's late equaliser at Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon earned them a 1-1 draw.

Rovers had got themselves in front early once again through Calvin Zola but Orient struck a late blow, leaving Tranmere reeling ahead of the trip to face Brighton and Hove Albion.

Last season, Rovers won 1-0 at the Withdean thanks to first-half strike from Chris Greenacre and earlier this season it was Rovers who were triumphant at Prenton Park, winning 2-0 thanks to goals in the last twelve minutes from Chris Greenacre and Chris Shuker.

Rovers are in good form but Brighton have only lost one of their last six games at home so the trip south, coupled with Rovers recent poor Tuesday night away record means Brighton have every right to be confident going into this game.

A win for Rovers would cement a play-off place for the time being and with Nottingham Forest travelling to Leeds and leaders Swansea at home to play-off chasing Walsall, taking all three points could benefit Rovers even more depending on the other results on the night.

If you are one of the die-hards travelling to the game, get behind the lads and enjoy the game (and remember to take some binoculars with you for the away end).

Rovers have not got a good Tuesday night away record but they will looking to alter that on Tuesday night!

The only real doubt for Rovers, Calvin Zola, looks set to shake off a knock in order to play in this match so an unchanged line-up is likely once more for the long trip South.

Steve Davies (cruciate ligaments) is out until April at the earliest whilst Chris Shuker (knee) could return in six week time.

Match Referee - Graham Horwood (Bedfordshire)

Tranmere v Brighton and HA Head-to-Head

At Brighton:

P14 W3 D4 L7 F12 A20

Overall Record:

P29 W11 D7 L11 F38 A36

Tranmere Form Guide and Season Record

League Form Guide

Overall: LWWWWD  On the Road: DLLLWW

Season Record

Overall:  P31 W13 D8 L10 F36 A30   On the Road: P15 W5 D4 L6 F14 A17

Brighton and HA Form Guide and Season Record

League Form Guide

Overall: WDDLWL  At Home: DDLWDW

Season Record

Overall:  P28 W10 D8 L10 F36 A32   At Home: P8 W6 D4 L3 F22 A15

LINK: FOOTBALL GROUNDS GUIDE TO WITHDEAN STADIUM