PREVIEW: Tranmere Rovers v Wanderers

Wanderers go to Tranmere Rovers in the Papa Johns Trophy looking to end an excellent September on a high and move closer to the knock-out stages.

The Whites beat Crewe Alexandra 4-1 in their Group B opener and a second win at Prenton Park would be close to guaranteeing a passage through via a top-two finish.

Victory would also make it four wins out of four during the month before sitting out next Saturday’s scheduled round of fixtures due to international duty.

League Two Tranmere – winners of the competition in 1990 – will be looking to launch a run of their own as they aim for a top-two spot in a group which also includes Crewe and Leeds United’s U21s.

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Manager quotes

Ian Evatt: “It’s not an international break yet. We’ve said goodbye to some players but we’ve got a game on Tuesday we want to win and we’ll be going all out to win.

“It’s an important game and we’ll fully focus on that.

“We will work hard again at Tranmere and then look at giving some of the players a couple of days.”

Team news

Wanderers are likely to make several changes from the side that mad it a hat-trick of League One wins at the weekend.

However, boss Ian Evatt can still play a strong hand with close to a fully fit squad to select from.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson is set to feature after returning from a five-match injury absence as a substitute in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Peterborough United.

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Midfielder Josh Sheehan and defender Eoin Toal are expected to start as they get the chance to top up their match fitness after playing for the first time this season in the win over Crewe last month.

There could also be a Wanderers’ debut for Liverpool loanee Owen Beck before he links up with Wales’ U21s and a welcome return in some capacity for long-term injury absentee Lloyd Isgrove.

Key midfielder Kieron Morris may get his first start of the season for Tranmere after returning from injury via the bench in Rovers’ weekend win at Salford City.

Form guide

In-form Wanderers have pieced together a four-match winning run to put themselves in good heart.

The run started with a 4-1 victory over Crewe in their opening Papa Johns Trophy tie to put the Whites top of Group B.

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Since then, Ian Evatt’s men have taken maximum points from Charlton and MK Dons and Peterborough United to sit fifth in League One.

Rovers are sitting mid-table in League Two as they recover from a slow start to the season.

Micky Mellon’s men won just one of their first five league games but last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Salford was their second win in four.

Tranmere are yet to start their Trophy campaign with the visit from Wanderers their first Group B fixture.

Officials

Referee: Martin Coy

Assistant referees: Steve Durnall and Blake Antrobus

Fourth official: Richard Aspinall

Kick-off

Tuesday 7pm

Ticket news and coverage

Supporters can buy tickets on the night at Prenton Park ahead of the game. For details click HERE

The game is available to watch live via iFollow with details of how to buy a match pass HERE

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