Match Preview:
Crawley Town vs. Tranmere Rovers (04/05/2019) Sky Bet League 2
The People’s Pension Stadium, originally Broadfield Stadium, will play host to the final league game of the season on Saturday. Rovers will look to get all 3 points to take some form into the playoffs, where we seem set to take on Forest Green. The feeling going into this tie is similar to that heading into the Maidstone away game back in 2017- Rovers played a weakened squad in that game as we headed into the National League Playoffs, it seems we are set to do the same this weekend too.
On the injury front:
Both Steve McNulty and David Perkins could feature against the Red Devils, both of them did not come off the bench against Bury in midweek. Making sure they get game time on Saturday could be crucial to ensuring they are match fit if they’re required in the playoffs. MM confirmed this week that Evan Gumbs has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury, the same injury suffered by Mark Ellis and Luke McCullough. There is still no word on the fitness of Jake Caprice, this comes after he limped off the pitch on Tuesday night. However, it seemed almost certain that Caprice would be swapped out for Bucco on Saturday regardless. Ellis, McCullough and Miller all remain out.
Head to head:
Last time we met Crawley it was in a convincing 5-1 thrashing back in October- James Norwood bagged a brace. Before then, we suffered a 2-0 defeat to them in April 2014. Quite notably, Rovers have stuck 5 goals past Crawley on 2 of our total 5 meetings and stuck 3 past them on 3 out of 5.
Connor Jennings and James Norwood celebrate a goal against Crawley. (October 2018)
The game will be a tight one, especially considering that the Whites haven’t scored in 3 successive away games and are likely to field a side of mixed experience and pedigree. Crawley are also without a win at home in 4 attempts. The lads are expected to be backed by a tremendous number of the SWA, many of whom are already down south and are a part of the southern SWA.
Here’s to ensuring we take some form into the playoffs and getting ourselves in the best position! Suuu whiii army!
Score prediction:
Crawley 0-0 Tranmere
Probable line ups:
Crawley- Morris, Young, McNerney, Dallison, Maguire, Morais, Willock, Camara, Nathaniel-George, Grego-Cox, Palmer
Tranmere- Pilling, Buxton, McNulty, Nelson, Bakayogo, Tollitt, Gilmour, Perkins, Smith, Mullin, Dagnall
Ubi Fides 