Following back-to-back away games, Rovers are back on home soil this week with the first of three consecutive home games coming against Rochdale on Tuesday night.
After a 1-0 victory at the Mornflake stadium against Crewe in the Papa John’s trophy was followed up by a 1-1 draw away at Harrogate Town, Rovers now face Jim Bentley’s men followed by a clash with Carlisle United and Stockport County at Prenton Park.
It’ll be a stern test against Bentley’s side who has called for his side ‘not to panic’ after falling to defeat against AFC Wimbledon last time out following four wins in their last previous six in all competitions.
With Rovers unbeaten in the league since early September, confidence is sky high for Micky Mellon’s and with two home games in a row, there’s a sense of opportunity for Rovers to climb from their current 9th position in the league.
Team News:
Rovers came through Saturday's game unscathed and will have the same selection of players to pick from.
Paul Lewis, Tom Davies, Joel Mumbongo, Luke Robinson and Charlie Jolley are all still out injured.
Dale will be without Scott Quigley following a groin injury sustained in the Papa John’s Trophy draw with Salford City.
One to Watch: Devante Rodney
With four goals and two assists in 16 appearances so far this season, Rodney is the second highest scorer for Dale this year behind the injured Scott Quigley.
Born locally in Manchester, the 24-year-old came through at Manchester City before making his professional debut at Hartlepool United in April 2017. After signing for Salford City but only making a handful of appearances, Rodney signed for Port Vale in July 2020 and finished the clubs top scorer in 20/21 with 12 goals.
He signed for Rochdale this summer and has made an impressive start at thr Crown Oil Arena. His two assists have come in his last two appearances against Barrow and Wimbledon respectively and he’ll be looking to add to that tally at Prenton Park on Tuesday night.
Manager: Jim Bentley
After making just short of 300 appearances as a player for Morecambe between 2002 and 2011, Bentley then went on to take a manager role at the former Globe Arena and be a manager from 2011 to 2019.
In 2018 following Paul Tisdale’s departure from Exeter City, Bentley became the longest serving manager in the EFL before he resigned and became manager of National League North side AFC Fylde.
However, with the non-league side sitting fourth in the league, below expectations, Bentley was sacked and left jobless. But in August 2022, Bentley was appointed manager of Rochdale who sat bottom of the fourth tier in the English pyramid, earning a two-year deal.
With just four defeats in his 11 games in charge so far, Bentley has boosted Dale away from the relegation places and will be hoping to keep that the case for the remainder of the season at the very least.
Match Coverage:
You can also 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
Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will follow on our website and YouTube channel.