@DomRoman – Dominic Roman

Dom Roman Previews the big Tranmere game and discusses any other #TUFC business:

TT1 – Tranmere Rovers Preview

Talking #TUFC

1 – Will Owers keep the line-up for the 3rd straight game? I’d imagine so, it’s unheard of consistency in a season of constant squad upheaval.

2 – Can the defence hold firm again? I don’t see why not – the Efete-Davey-McGinty axis looks really steady at the mo, though being TUFC this could all fall apart at the blink of an eye!

3 – The ability to take an all-important chance is still lacking in the squad. I hope that can change – but much like most TU fans I was pleading for an attacker rather than another defender this week (no offence Axel).

4 – Gary believes we’ll get out of the relegation places by Xmas time and I’m backing the boys to do it. It’s a new-found sign of confidence from the manager, and I hope this is carried onto the pitch by the players.

Talking #TRFC

“Other teams may argue otherwise, but I would say Tranmere are definitely the biggest fish in the National League pond. However, so far this season the team from Prenton Park haven’t made the splash they wanted. Beware though, last weekend saw Rovers trounce Maidstone 4-0 with Norwood grabbing a brace of goals. Considering how solid the Kent team looked at Plainmoor last month, that is a very good effort. Micky Mellon’s XI will be on the front foot and determined to do the same to United”.

League Position: 11th

Full NL Record: Pld: 22  Win: 8  Draws: 7  Lost: 7  For: 25  Agst: 18  Gl Diff: 7  Pts: 31

Manager: Micky Mellon

Players to watch: James Norwood – 8 goals so far this season for the ex-Forest Green and Exeter City striker.

Ollie Banks – Midfielder currently on a month’s loan from Oldham Athletic.

Last Three Results:

25th Nov – Tranmere Rovers 4-0 Maidstone United (NL)

21st Nov – Macclesfield Town 2-2 Tranmere Rovers (NL)

18th Nov – Gateshead 1-0 Tranmere Rovers (NL)

Last Three Head-to-Head:

5th Aug 17 – Torquay United 0-0 Tranmere Rovers (NL)

14th Mar 17 – Torquay United 0-0 Tranmere Rovers (NL)

26th Nov 16 – Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Torquay United (NL)

TT2 – Match Prediction Poll and TT Views

My Prediction: “I think it’ll be a close game, and Tranmere will unfortinately just edge us out 2-1 with Ruairi scoring United’s”.

TT3 – Aldershot Town Draw

It was the most unlikely 0-0 draw I’ve seen in a while. Both teams going for the win made it a thoroughly enjoyable match.

I loved the way we closed them down, one then two men pressing the opposition – stopping them getting out of their half. Hard work and determination to arm-wrestle the opposition into submission – it warms the cockles and makes me believe we are on the up.

TT4 – Axel Oscar Andresson

Owers has been trailing the Icelandic under-21 international for a while and eventually got his man this week.

That points to the young defender going straight into the team, but I’m not sure who he’d dislodge at the moment after three clean sheets.

Attackers being the priority, the signing didn’t raise my mid-week spirits much – though our best teams have always been tough at the back, so if Axel adds to this then so be it.

TT5 Injuries

Jake Gosling – Jake is back from injury and looking for a loan deal. I’m not sure Jake is Owers sort of player. Great technique and touch, but lacking fitness and strength. It’ll be interesting to see his progress and whether he’ll be looking for new employment in January.

Josh Gowling – Mixed signals on Josh G, who will most likely be out for a while yet. Age is counting against the defensive leader and the signing of Adel may point to planning for life without Josh. A shame, as he’s still been a rock in many games this season.