Setting the scene…
Tranmere Rovers begin life back in Sky Bet League One by hosting Rochdale at Prenton Park on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.
Back-to-back promotions were secured in May as Connor Jennings' 119th minute header earned victory over Newport County in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final.
Micky Mellon's men will be aiming for a positive start to a campaign which will see TRFC compete in the third-tier for the first time since 2014.
Making the visit to the Wirral are Brian Barry-Murphy's Dale, who finished 16th in Sky Bet League One last term.
The Greater Manchester club have bolstered their ranks this summer with the signings of centre-back Eoghan O’Connell, left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies, forward Rekeil Pyke, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and midfielder Jimmy Ryan.
Team News
New signings George Ray, Calum Woods, Darren Potter, Stefan Payne and Jordan Ponticelli are all in line to make their competitive TRFC debuts.
Ishmael Miller is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury versus Walsall last weekend.
Mark Ellis (knee) and Evan Gumbs (ACL) both remain out of action while Corey Blackett-Taylor, Calum Woods and Jake Caprice are doubtful.
One to Watch
Forward and club captain Ian Henderson will embark on his eighth season as a Rochdale player.
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Henderson began his career at Norwich City, featuring in the top-flight for the Canaries before leaving Carrow Road in 2007.
Stints at Rotherham United, Northampton Town, Luton Town and Turkish outfit MKE Ankaragücü before moving to Colchester United in January 2010.
He spent three-years in Essex, making over 100 appearances prior to a switch to Rochdale in 2013.
The 34-year-old has scored 110 goals in all competitions for Dale in seven years at Spotland, including 20 last term.
Tickets:
Tickets start from just £2.00 for U12 as affordable live football returns to Prenton Park for 2019/20.
Prices for the fixture with Rochdale can be found below.
Tickets are on sale from:
Adult - £19
Over 65s (Senior) - £12
U12s accompanied by paying adult - £2
U18s - £6
Young Persons (18-22) - £12
Match Officials
Referee: Anthony Backhouse
Assistant referees: Gary Hilton and Wade Smith
Fourth Official: Ollie Williams
Past Meetings:
In total, Tranmere have won 59, drawn 25 and lost 38 of their games against Rochdale since the two teams first met in the Division Three (North) in 1921.
The last competitive clash between TRFC and Dale ended in a 2-0 win for Rovers, then managed by Ronnie Moore, in March 2012, with James Wallace and Jake Cassidy on target for the away side.
Match Coverage
TRFC Radio’s commentary team of Phil Wilkinson and Rob Edwards will guide you through all the action as TRFC’s season gets underway in front of the SWA at Prenton Park.
Supporters can sign up to the revamped iFollow Tranmere to listen to uninterrupted commentary of the match against Dale.
To sign up and to find out more details about iFollow Tranmere, CLICK HERE
Alternatively, you can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
Twitter: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers
Did you know?
Tranmere Rovers’ central midfielder David Perkins has had two separate stays at Rochdale in his playing career.
Heysham-born Perkins, 37, made 60 appearances for the Spotland club between 2007-2008 before returning a decade later to turn out 17 times in 2018/19 prior to his January move to TRFC.