Tranmere Rovers host Wigan Athletic at Prenton Park on Tuesday 14th November (7pm kick-off), in their final Bristol Street Motors Trophy fixture of the campaign.
After defeats to Fleetwood Town and Leicester City U21s, Nigel Adkins’ side are out of the competition but will still enjoy a valuable 90 minutes under the lights, as they look to build on Saturday's important 3-0 win over Forest Green Rovers.
Their opposition are a Wigan side who are already through to the knockout rounds but need to win on penalties at minimum to top Northern Group D.
The Latics are 18th in League One and drew 1-1 away to Cheltenham Town at the weekend.
In the event of a draw, both sides will be awarded a point. A penalty shootout will then take place to determine the winner of a bonus point.
Our Bristol Street Motors Trophy group matches:
Fleetwood Town 2-0 Tranmere Rovers | Highbury Stadium | Tuesday 5th September (7pm)
Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Leicester City U21s | Prenton Park | Tuesday 10th October (7pm)
Tranmere Rovers v Wigan Athletic | Prenton Park | Tuesday 14th November (7pm)
Team news:
The match will offer manager Nigel Adkins the chance to give game time to players who haven’t featured often recently, some of whom due to injury.
One of those is Hull City loanee Jake Leake. The full back has been out of action since the middle of August but is expected to get minutes on Tuesday.
Last time out:
Last five meetings:
28th July 2023 - Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Wigan Athletic - Friendly
SCORERS - Saunders
11th November 2020 - Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Wigan Athletic (3-1 on penalties) – Bristol Street Motors Trophy Northern Group D
SCORERS – Woolery, Morris
14th July 2018 – Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Wigan Athletic – Friendly
SCORERS – Norwood
4th March 2003 – Wigan Athletic 0-0 Tranmere Rovers – League One
SCORERS – None
17th September 2002 – Tranmere Rovers 0-2 Wigan Athletic – League One
SCORERS - None
One to watch: Josh Stones
20-year-old Josh Stones has shown real promise during his game time with the Latics this term.
The young forward has made only five appearances off the bench in League One, but it is in the Trophy where he has flexed his muscles, scoring in both of the side’s previous two group matches.
Stones began his career with Guiseley and committed his future to Wigan with a three-year contract in the summer.
Manager: Shaun Maloney
Wigan boss Shaun Maloney played at the DW Stadium for four years, helping the Latics to their FA Cup triumph in 2013.
The 40-year-old is, perhaps, best known for his two spells with Celtic where he won five Scottish Premier League titles and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final, losing 3-2 to Porto after extra time.
Maloney re-joined Wigan as manager in January, following a short spell with Hibernian.
Officials:
Referee - Ross Joyce
Assistant Referees - Grant Taylor & Christopher Ward
Fourth Official - Melissa Burgin
Joyce last refereed Rovers in our 2-0 League Two loss to Crewe Alexandra last month.
Tickets:
We recommend buying tickets for the match online in advance. By doing so, fans can enjoy discounted prices and can download their ticket to their digital wallet or as a PDF.
Tickets will also be available to buy on the day from The Club Store.
Please note only the Bebington Paddock and Bebington End will be open to home supporters for this match.
Lounge season ticket holders do not need to buy a ticket. Only the Ian Muir Lounge will be open.
Click here to buy tickets for the match online!
Match coverage:
Fans in the UK and abroad can stream the game on iFollow for £10. Purchase your Video Match Pass by clicking here.
You can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
X: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers
Match reaction from Nigel Adkins and a player will follow the game on our YouTube channel.
