Spotlight on Tranmere Rovers
The YEP looks ahead to Leeds United's home fixture against Tranmere Rovers.
The Gaffer
Ronnie Moore. For two seasons running, Tranmere Rovers' manager made do with mid-table finishes in League One, but play-off qualification is finally within his grasp. Despite limited resources and a fairly small budget, the ex-Rotherham United boss has consistently maintained a competitive team at Prenton Park, where he took charge in June 2006 following the exit from Tranmere of Brian Little. Moore's experience is wide-ranging after almost 400 matches in charge of Rotherham, 65 as Oldham's manager and more than 150 with his present club, and the 56-year-old won promotion from what was Division Two while at Millmoor in 2001.
The Danger
Ian Moore. Leeds United's former striker has scored in his last two meetings with his former club, helping to seal Tranmere's 2-0 victory at Elland Road last season and their 2-1 defeat of Leeds at Prenton Park in December. Moore is Rovers' joint top-scorer with 11 goals – prolific midfielder Antony Kay has also climbed to the same mark – and recent strikes have helped to secure vital wins over Oldham Athletic and Bristol Rovers. The 32-year-old forward has a competent strike-partner in Bas Savage, who has found the net nine times this term, but while Savage's strength should present a challenge, it is Moore's pace that Leeds will be most anxious to negate.
The Form
Tranmere were four points short of the play-off zone at the beginning of last month but they have come into form at the perfect time. A 2-0 victory over Leicester City on March 11 seems to have been the turning point in their season and that win was the first of six earned from their last eight matches. Moore's side have looked particularly strong at Prenton Park, winning five successive games on the Wirral. However, 10 defeats on the road have denied Rovers any chance of automatic promotion. So far, their 21 away matches have yielded only 23 points and 19 goals.
The Odds
William Hill go 4-6 about a home win tomorrow while offering 10-3 about Tranmere claiming victory at Elland Road, as they did last season. The draw is available at 12-5.
The Whistler
Michael Oliver. From Northumberland, Oliver took charge of United's FA Cup tie with Northampton this term when he sent off Giles Coke after 26 minutes of a 1-1 draw at Elland Road. The red card is one of five he has issued throughout the 2008-09 term.
