Match Preview: Chester v Tranmere Rovers

As Tranmere prepare for the short trip to face Chester on Sunday lunchtime, Louise Formston returns with her match preview ahead of the game.....  

It seems like we’ve been talking about this game since the New Year but it’s finally here - Sunday sees Tranmere Rovers travel the short distance down the road as the visit Chester.  The League table has changed quite significantly since Chester’s visit to Prenton Park back in September and Rovers are now in need of three points as they stake a claim on a play off spot.  For Chester, the play offs are probably out of reach for this season but they’ll be keen not to lose to Rovers twice in a season.

Earlier in the Season:

The teams met on the 12th September in what was a great game - and not just because it was on my birthday!  Rovers won 2-0 with first half goals from Hogan and Norwood, whilst Adam Dawson went straight into the starting eleven having signed just a day earlier from Kidderminster - on a side note, Dawson has had his contract terminated by Kidderminster earlier today.  Chester had a penalty saved during the game thanks to the superb Scott Davies being on top form at the time.  The win for Rovers came during a nine game unbeaten run.

Injuries and Suspensions:

Tranmere now have all players back in training with no one out injured after this week saw the training ground return of Liam Hogan - however Sunday may come a little too soon in terms of matches.  Steve Jennings will also be back following his suspension and despite not rating him earlier in the season I think we’ve missed him of late.  Jay Harris meanwhile will miss Sunday’s game (and next weekend’s against Gateshead) after he picked up his tenth booking of the season last weekend.

Chester’s Team:

Steve Burr is still the man in charge of Chester but I have a feeling a defeat to Rovers could see Burr handed his P45.  Chester have fallen away from the pack of late and I expect their fans would have had higher expectations for this season.  Ex-Rovers player Ian Sharps is expected to start on Sunday but Michael Kay has left the Deva Stadium since the game earlier in the season. 

Top scorer Ross Hannah added his 15th of the season against Kidderminster last weekend and will be looking for goal number 16 come Sunday.  John Rooney is another to look out for on Sunday whilst defender Ben Heneghan had a good game in the previous fixture despite the scoreline.  Craig Mahon is also tipped to start.  The nephew of former Rovers player Alan Mahon has made 29 appearances for Chester so far this season.

My Starting XI:

Davies - obviously no explanation needed here.  Vaughan despite a dodgy game last weekend should retain his place along with McNulty, Iheikwe and Ridehalgh.  Midfield is difficult.  With no Jay Harris Steve Jennings should return to the starting eleven alongside Hughes - who we were told was able to play CM if needs be when he signed.

On the wings Mekki and Kirby - when they came on against Cheltenham it was like the team came to life.  Just in front of the midfield is Gary Taylor-Fletcher - Brabin made a huge mistake putting him on the wing last weekend.  His quality is all still there but he shouldn’t be expected to run up and down the wings - he’s clearly not in any shape to do that. 

Up front James Norwood - with Mekki, Kirby and GTF all around him, I’m not worried about it looking like we have one up front of paper. In reality, we know Mekki will drift inside as well Kirby and GTF.

Score prediction?  Atight 1-0 or 2-1 to the Rovers.  I’ve been confident about this for a few weeks now and I’m still as optimistic.

I'm also still in search of that spare ticket for Sunday so please get in touch should you have any, or know someone who does (Ed: Contact info@total-tranmere.co.uk) if you have one going spare for Louise).