The Cobblers’ next away assignment is a tough one as we head to the form team in League Two…it’s fifth v sixth going into the weekend…
Match Preview
The Cobblers travel to Prenton Park on Saturday off the back of two comfortable home wins but now comes a real step up in an away challenge that’s arguably one of the toughest games of the season so far.
Micky Mellon, who returned to Tranmere for his second spell in charge in the summer, has his side well organised and it’s one that can boast a record of just six goals conceded all season with just two of those coming at home. Rovers are also top of the League Two form table (last six games) going into the weekend.
But Jon Brady’s side will have gained a lot of confidence from these last two games and performances and if we can be switched on again it should make for a cracking encounter.
The Opposition
Mellon agreed to rejoin Rovers over the summer having originally steered them back into the Football League and then straight up to League One in consecutive seasons in 2018 and 2019.
After an unfortunate relegation back to League Two on points per game, Mellon spent a year at Dundee United before picking up his Tranmere baton again. So far it’s been a pretty positive campaign with Rovers sitting a place above the Cobblers in fifth place after a decent draw away to Harrogate on Tuesday night.
Dare I say it this early in the season? Oh go on then…six pointer!
Last time out
Tranmere’s game at high flying Harrogate on Tuesday night saw the rare occurrence of them conceding two goals. The 2-2 draw at the Envirovent Stadium saw Kieron Morris salvage a point in an entertaining encounter. The Cobblers, meanwhile, eased past struggling Stevenage 3-0 at Sixfields.
One to watch
You might expect the one to watch to be last season’s Cobblers Player of the Year Ryan “Wattoooo” Watson to be the former Cobbler that we fear the most but it’s another ex Town midfielder that’s been winning recent praise. Sam Foley signed for Rovers in the summer and has been impressing in the middle of the park.
Team News
Tranmere come into the game with a clean bill of health with no injuries or suspensions to note.
The Cobblers could bring Jordan Flores back into the squad depending on of his reaction to his Covid vaccination continues to affect him. Joseph Mills and Sid Nelson are the long term absentees.
Last meeting
Tranmere 1-2 Cobblers – 05/02/19
The last game between the clubs was a 2-1 victory for the Cobblers at Prenton Park in February 2019, notable for a certain wonder flick from Samuel Tobias Hoskins!
That was the second of Hoskins’ goals that night as Town came home with all three points.
Line-up Prediction
Match Officials
Tom Nield is the referee for this one with his last Cobblers game being the 0-0 draw at Doncaster Rovers back in March.
Nield is also a senior nurse/matron with the Acute & Emergency Service at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and has been a front line worker through the pandemic.
He’s also been on the receiving end of a scathing report from John Yems after Crawley’s recent defeat to Sutton United.
Score Predictions
Charles: Tranmere 1-2 Cobblers
Danny: Tranmere 1-1 Cobblers
Neil: Tranmere 4-5 Cobblers
Jefe: Tranmere 4-5Cobblers
A Cobblers fan all his life, Danny is the most down to earth football supporter from Northampton.
While at university in Southampton, Danny kept up to date with all things NTFC from afar, sharing his thoughts on his ‘A Load Of Cobblers’ online blog.
