MX23RW : Thursday, January 2 13:47:00| >> :600:197413:197413:
[monks data]
Morecambe
League Two | Gameweek 24
Jan 1, 2025 at 3pm UK
Mazuma Stadium
Tranmere Rovers

Morecambe
2 - 0
Tranmere

Songo'o (72'), Stott (84')
White (12')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Finley (34'), O'Connor (40'), Saunders (69')

Preview: Morecambe vs. Tranmere Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's League Two clash between Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

League Two's bottom side, Morecambe, will host Tranmere Rovers, a team aiming to put more distance between themselves and the relegation zone, at Globe Arena on New Year's Day.

The hosts have amassed 17 points from 23 matches, leaving them two points adrift of safety, while the visitors hold 22 points from 21 matches, sitting three points clear of the drop zone.


Match preview

Morecambe striker Lee Angol on September 3, 2024© Imago

Morecambe edged Carlisle 1-0 in a crucial relegation battle at Brunton Park on Boxing Day, ending a four-match winless streak in the league, but they were unable to build on that momentum, falling to a 1-0 defeat away to Salford City on Sunday.

Derek Adams, now in his third spell as manager of the Shrimps since taking charge in June, faces a monumental task to steer his side clear of relegation to the National League, but central to this effort will be improving their dismal form at Globe Arena.

The Lancashire outfit are still searching for their first home win of the campaign despite hosting 10 league matches, with all four of their victories so far coming on the road, while their 14 league defeats are evenly split between home and away fixtures.

Adding to their woes, Morecambe are averaging more goals scored in away matches than at home, while they have conceded 21 goals in 10 home games – three more than they have shipped on the road in 13 outings, and the Shrimps also hold the unenviable distinction of having conceded more goals (39) than any other team in the league this season.

This defensive frailty is likely to contribute to another defeat on Wednesday – however, the hosts can draw some encouragement from their ongoing five-match unbeaten run against the visitors, which includes three wins and two draws.

Tranmere Rovers manager Nigel Adkins during his side's match against Salford City, on September 27, 2024© Imago

Tranmere, meanwhile, returned to action last Sunday following the postponement of their Boxing Day clash with Accrington Stanley due to adverse weather conditions, and managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Barrow in their most recent outing.

Nigel Adkins's side remain in 19th place after the draw, but with one or two games in hand over most teams around them, they could have a potential advantage if they can capitalise in those fixtures.

After ending a four-match winless streak with a 2-1 victory over Harrogate at Prenton Park on December 14, Tranmere are now without a win in two games, having lost to Doncaster before drawing with Barrow.

The Rovers will hope to avoid a repeat of their earlier slump, and while they might be optimistic about securing a positive result against the league's bottom side, their joint-worst away record in the division could hinder their efforts to claim all three points.

Morecambe League Two form:


Morecambe form (all competitions):


Tranmere Rovers League Two form:


Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):



Team News

Morecambe's Rhys Williams pictured on September 23, 2024© Imago

Morecambe will remain without 25-year-old forward Charlie Brown, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury.

Marcus Dackers, unavailable against his parent club Salford City in the previous match, is expected to return to the starting line-up and lead the attack.

Ben Tollitt, the team's top scorer with six goals and two assists this season, is likely to feature on the right flank, and the dynamic forward will be the key player to watch for the hosts as they aim to find the back of the net.

Tranmere, meanwhile, will welcome back defender Tom Davies, who was suspended for the draw against Barrow after being sent off in the match against Doncaster.

However, the visitors may still be without Brad Walker, Regan Hendry, Saidou Khan and Luke Norris, all of whom are sidelined due to injury concerns.

In addition, reports suggest that forward Sam Taylor has agreed to a loan move to National League side Oldham Athletic, which would rule him out of contention for this clash.


Morecambe possible starting lineup:
Burgoyne; Hendrie, Williams, Stott, Tutonda; White, Songo'o; Tollitt, Jones, Edwards; Dackers

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; O'Connor, Drysdale, Turnbull, Bradshaw; Finley, Morris; Saunders, Solomon, Patrick; Jennings


SM words green background

We say: Morecambe 1-1 Tranmere Rovers

This is a contest between the league's poorest home side and the worst away team in the division – however, Tranmere have demonstrated an ability to grind out results on the road, which is why we are predicting they will secure at least a point in this encounter.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:561723:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect13427:
Written by
Joshua Cole

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Morecambe vs Tranmere

Morecambe
52.2%
Draw
21.7%
Tranmere Rovers
26.1%
23
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Taylor Allen of Walsall celebrates with teammates on December 3, 2024
Read Next:
Boxing Day's League Two predictions including Walsall vs. Doncaster
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Walsall23164343202352
2Doncaster RoversDoncaster2411763428640
3Salford City2311662819939
4Crewe AlexandraCrewe2310942921839
5Port Vale2410862724338
6AFC Wimbledon22114733181537
7Notts County23107636261037
8Grimsby Town24121113537-237
9Bradford CityBradford239863026435
10Chesterfield249783829934
11MK Dons2210483630634
12Bromley2271053126531
13Cheltenham TownCheltenham248793436-231
14Gillingham2293102221130
15BarrowBarrow237792324-128
16Colchester UnitedColchester2351262826227
17Fleetwood TownFleetwood226972828027
18Newport CountyNewport2275102938-926
19Swindon TownSwindon2459103139-824
20Accrington StanleyAccrington2257103040-1022
21Tranmere RoversTranmere2257101632-1622
22Harrogate TownHarrogate2464141937-1822
23Morecambe2455142239-1720
24Carlisle UnitedCarlisle2346131937-1818


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!