On the back of a draw mockingly described as the ‘miracle of IstanWool’ where Tranmere drew the game 3-3 after being 3-0 down. Micky Mellon’s ‘superwhites’ will again travel south for 250 miles for a game of a different measure, a relegation battle ‘six pointer’ with Sol Campbell’s Southend United. Tranmere have failed to win in six games, their last win coming against AFC Wimbledon at Prenton Park a few days before Christmas but will be hoping to carry on the performance level shown in the second half of last Saturday’s FA Cup encounter at Vicarage Road. Southend have only managed one win in their twenty-four league games this season but have achieved two points in their past two games against MK and AFC Wimbledon.
Team news:
Midfielder Alex Woodyard is available to make his debut after recently signing a loan deal until the end of the season from Peterborough United.
Scott Davies, Liam Ridehalgh, Mark Ellis, Evan Gumbs, Ollie Banks and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy all remain sidelined with injury and are thus unavailable for selection.
One to watch:
Midfielder Charlie Kelman is Southend’s one to watch as the midfielder tops their goal scoring charts with four goals. Kelman, 18, is a ‘shrimpers’ academy graduate and made his league debut in January 2019 going on to make twelve 18/19 league appearances. Kelman is also a USA international, representing his nation at U18 and U20 level.
Match officials:
Alan Young is the man in black this weekend. This season, the Cambridgeshire born referee, has officiated 24 games and awarded 110 yellows and 2 red cards as a result of 2 yellows. Most interestingly, he officiated Australia v South Korea under 17s which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Young will be assisted by Adrian Tranter and Matthew Lee.
Past meetings:
Tranmere have met Southend United on 51 occasions. Winning 21, drawing 15 and losing 15.
The most recent encounter came in mid October under the Friday night lights of Prenton Park when Paul Mullin concerted a late penalty to even the scores at 1-1.
Did you know?
Rovers last win at Roots Hall came in October 2007, Ben Chorley and Gareth Taylor in a 2-1 triumph.