Match information:
Tranmere’s next league one encounter is under the Prenton Park lights, this Friday night (18/10/19). Micky Mellon’s men will be looking to extend their run of winning games from two to three, against a struggling Southend United side who have only managed to be victorious in one of their opening twelve league fixtures. If Tranmere pick up three points against Gary Waddock’s side then they will be five points away from the play offs, Blackpool currently occupying the last play off place with their 20 points from 13 league games start.
Team news:
Although Connor Jennings and Neill Danns return to the side, after a suspension and international call up, Micky Mellon is without the services of : Ollie Banks, Calum Woods, Jacob Maddox, Evan Gumbs, Mark Ellis and Ishmael Miller. In Thursday’s press conference, Micky Mellon stated that David Perkins and Morgan Ferrier are close to return following injuries, while Paul Mullin was forced off just after half an hour against Coventry. ‘The shrimpers’ make the long journey to Merseyside without : Luke Hyam, Liam Ridgewell (a defender with premier league experience), Sam Mantom and Charlie Kelman. However, Gary Waddock has stated that Mark Milligan, Harry Lennon and Stephen Humphrys may make a return to competitive football.
One to watch:
Forward Stephen Humphrys is the visitors ‘one to watch’. The forward tops ‘The shrimpers’ goalscoring tally with five.
Humphrys, Oldham born, came through the youth ranks at Fulham FC before turning professional in 2013. He went on to make two championship appearances.
Whilst at Fulham, Humphrys was loaned out to Shrewsbury Town, Rochdale and Scunthorpe United.
He signed permanently for Southend United in January 2019.
The 22-year-old struck a late winner against Sunderland on the final day of last term to keep the Essex side in Sky Bet League One.
Match officials :
David Webb, from Lancashire, is the referee for Friday nights encounter. This will be Webb’s tenth competitive fixture this season, as a referee. So far, David Webb has awarded 21 yellow cards but no red cards.
Webb will be helped by his officials : Robert Merchant and Mark Jones.
Lewis Smith will also help officiate the fixture, in the fourth official role.
Past meetings:
Tranmere Rovers have won 21, drawn 14 and lost 15 in total versus Southend United. The last Tranmere v Southend fixture ending in a 1-0 defeat, at Roots Hall.
Did you know?:
Tranmere’s last competitive victory against Southend United was in November 2009, with goals from Ian Goodison and Terry Gornell settling the home scoreline.
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