Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers v Braintree Town

As Tranmere prepare to host Braintree Town on Saturday afternoon, Louise Formston returns with her match preview ahead of the game.....

Winter is upon us now, and Tranmere host Braintree Town on what will no doubt a chilly afternoon this Saturday.  With no game in the week for either side both teams will be keen to build on their seasons so far as we head towards Christmas.

Form Guide:

Despite Braintree playing one game less than Rovers, they sit one place and three points ahead in the League table.  Up until recently Braintree had been doing well - in fact at the start of last month they were enjoying life in the play-offs but have suffered from some patchy form and have slipped down the table.  Last week saw Braintree draw 0-0 at home to 22nd placed Torquay.

The match report for that game paints a similar story to Rovers’ 0-0 away draw at Boreham Wood - all the action but no finishing touch.  With those two results in mind it’s worth remembering that Braintree were the first team to take points off Rovers this season as Rovers could only manage a 0-0 draw during their trip to Essex in August.  Prior to their draw with Torquay, Braintree beat Halifax Town 6-3 so there are goals in the side. This game has all the makings of a ten goal thriller if you ask me.

Team News:

Martin Riley missed last weekend’s game through injury and he’s now been joined by Liam Hogan, Jay Harris and Gary Taylor-Fletcher in the treatment room.  Hogan was subbed off early into the game against Boreham Wood and it’s since been revealed that he’s likely suffered an ACL injury so is expected to be out for the long term.  Harris (ankle) and GTF (calf) will be assessed before Saturday’s game after they were both also subbed off during Rovers’ last outing.  For Braintree, injured players Chez Isaac and Mark Philips are expected to be fit enough to return for Saturday’s game.

Opposition Dugout:

The Cowley Brothers are still in charge at Braintree and by all accounts are doing a fine job at the helm of the part time team.

One to Watch:

I tipped Will Norris, Braintree’s keeper, during my August preview as my one to watch as we headed into that game following a 4-1 against Gateshead. Norris did his job well and kept his clean sheet.  This time around Michael Cheek is my one to watch.  The striker’s scored eight goals this season, including a hattrick against Halifax.

Cheek joined Braintree in the summer on a free transfer from Chelmsford and has gone on to make twenty-two appearances this season.  However, since scoring three in one go, the goals have dried up for Cheek - so a poor Rovers’ side make an ideal opponent to get himself back in form.  Cheek isn’t alone in providing the goals for Braintree, midfielder Kenny Davis has got himself six this season and will be looking to add to his tally this weekend.

Around the League:

At the time of writing (Thursday), one of the National League games has already been postponed - Bromley/Grimsby - but there is time for more to be postponed yet.  Games of interest include Gateshead who travel to Kidderminster in the hope of closing the gap between themselves and the play offs as well as Wrexham’s game at Torquay - with both teams either side of Rovers and Braintree playing relegation fodder this weekend, Rovers need a win at the minimum.

My Starting XI:

Basing my team on having everyone bar Hogan available I’d send the following eleven out on Saturday; Davies, Vaughan - by all accounts had a reasonable debut, Sutton, McNulty, and Hill would form my back four. In front Mekki, Harris, Maynard - now we have a right back there is no reason why Maynard cannot be played in midfield, and Ridehalgh - I know he’s not a winger but what is the other option? Norwood on the left?.  Up front Norwood and Mangan - our most successful front partnership this season and the sooner we return to it the better.