Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers (H) Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers (H)
Posted by: Bescot Banter

Match Preview: Tranmere Rovers (H)

Here we take a look ahead to the Saddlers' League Two clash with Tranmere Rovers.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook, where we'll bring you all the matchday build-up, in-game updates, and post-match reaction as the Saddlers return to action.

Pre-Match Views

Walsall returned to winning ways at the weekend as they defeated now-managerless Forest Green Rovers by two goals to one at Banks's Stadium.

After enduring a lengthy winless spell, the Saddlers had only tasted victory once since mid-December, this could well prove to be the match that all but secures their stay in the fourth tier for at least another campaign.

Goals from Rory Holden and James Clarke were enough to secure all three points for the Saddlers, and, despite a lead-halving goal from Jordan Moore-Taylor, the visiting side slipped to their fourth defeat on the bounce.

There is no doubt the Saddlers have entered steadily improving performances over recent weeks but the result could also be down to the visitors' poor form, although, given our recent form, we'll happily take the points.

As mentioned in many previews and Express & Star columns, Rory Holden is the shining light in attack and has already had a huge impact upon the team since returning from injury last week.

Clearly, the former Bristol City man is destined to play higher up the football pyramid, but hopefully, the Saddlers will be able to retain his services for at least another campaign.

Opposition News

Opponents Tranmere are winless in their last five, (D4, L1), but will pose a major test for the Saddlers if they are to add to Saturday's win over Forest Green.

The Super Whites arrive at the match in the back of a goalless draw with Scunthorpe United, a result which saw them drop out of the automatic promotion places, something they'll no doubt be keen to rectify on Tuesday evening.

Head to Head

Walsall and Tranmere Rovers have met on seventy-four previous occasions and it's the Saddlers who hold an overall win/loss advantage having won thirty-four times compared to Rovers' twenty-five.

There have also been fifteen draws over the history of the fixture, a history which began at Prenton Park on Saturday, 10th September 1921 as the two sides met in a Division Three (North) clash in which the Saddlers won by one-goal-to-nil.

The most recent meeting took place in front of 2,000 fans at Prenton Park on Saturday, 5th December 2020, and saw the Saddlers ruin their opponents return to action in front of a paying crowd as goals from Elijah Adebayo (19'), Wes McDonald (48'), and Dan Scarr (66') made Liam Feeney's volley a mere consolation.

Man in the Middle

The EFL has confirmed that Staffordshire-based Ollie Yates will be the man in the middle, whilst Andrew Aylott and Grant Taylor have been named assistant referees. Simon Shaw will act as Fourth Official.

GAMES
26
YELLOW
CARDS
RED
CARDS
87
2
PENALTIES
2

Catch the Match

As we're still unable to attend the game in person we can catch the match via the club's in-house service - iFollow Walsall - which takes you through the highs and lows of each and every Saddlers match.

Not a iFollow Walsall subscriber? A range of options are available, including monthly, annual, and gift subscriptions along with a £10 video pass which will enable you to watch the match.

You can purchase a subscription, or find further information on the service by clicking HERE.
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