I’ll openly admit that I know little about Tranmere Rovers at present.
I do know they’re struggling at the bottom of League One (third bottom to be precise) and parted company with John Barnes not too long ago. But other than that, I’m struggling.
John Barnes - Didn't last long at Tranmere
It wasn’t always that way of course. Back in my early days as a Wolves supporter, visits to Prenton Park were a regular occurrence and they always had some useful players, most notably the likes of John Aldridge and Pat Nevin. Those were probably the golden years for Tranmere and where they’d eventually like to get back to.
Unfortunately, things aren’t quite as rosy for them these days and I’d imagine they’ll be looking forward to this match, hoping to make the most of the occasion and cause an upset. They’ve seen an upturn in their results recently, so they’ll have some belief that they can get the win and start a cup run.
I imagine Mick McCarthy will make quite a few changes to the Wolves side for this fixture. He’s come out and said he’s picking from his ‘first team squad’ but that gives us very little indication as to the actual eleven that will take to the field.
So I can’t possibly come close to predicting the exact lineup. However, I’d expect players like Hennessy, The Hoff and Matt Hill all to be given starts. Other than that, it’s more or less complete guess work. But with West Ham and Wigan coming up, I don’t think our manager will want to see any of his best players exerting themselves too much.
I don’t like devaluing the FA Cup, but unfortunately I can’t seem to muster a great deal of interest at this early stage, with Premiership survival all I’m able to focus my energies on. You might be different.
Seeing as I know so little about Tranmere and I have no clue what players will take to the field for Wolves, predicting a scoreline becomes rather difficult. Would it be incredibly ignorant of me to say that I expect Wolves to progress, simply because we’ll probably have a stronger team, whichever players we put out?
Whether it is or it isn’t, I’m going for a Wolves win, although no result would surprise me greatly.
If you’re making the trip, have a great time, enjoy the match and roar the lads on.
Up the Wolves.
Don’t forget, you can watch this match live on the FA website for free. Simply visit this page at 6pm on Sunday evening. I think that only applies to people living in the UK, but I might well be wrong.
Tranmere 1-3 Wolves
SUPER MICK MCCARTHY
“Matches streamed for free on FATV at http://www.TheFA.com/FATV are only available to internet users in the UK and Ireland. ”
I really want us to progress, I love the FA Cup and it’s been a while since we’ve had a good cup run. Just hope it doesn’t get postponed and so our fixture list gets congested.
Glad to see all the televised ties are on ITV. Personally I can’t wait for Leeds v Man United
The last time we had any kind of run was the season we won the play offs. I think we went out to Southampton.
I won’t be that bothered if we lose, we need to focus more on staying up. Although if we could score some goals (maybe boost someone like SEB’s confidence it would be good. I expect a few to be rested but I also think he will keep a few in.
Hennessey
Zubar
Elokobi
Mancienne
Hill
Foley
Castillo
Jones
Surman
Iwelumo
Ebanks-Blake
Maybe the Hof might come in somewhere too. I reckon 2-0, SEB and Jones to get the goals.
Rest most of the first team – don’t want to hear any excuses about fatigue and I couldn’t care less if we get knocked out of the cup.
No magic for me I’m afraid! The magic is now in the big bucks associated with staying in the Prem!
Things I know about Tranmere:
1. They took Villa to a penalty shoot out in the league cup semi final about 16 years ago. A good few years later it was still being shown in the Villa club shop when I popped in there with a Villa supporting mate.
2. Half Man Half Biscuit support them.
3. Paul Cook – still my favourite left footed midfielder – played for them.
4. They’re currently managed by their physio
5. I once saw a short film about a guy who was a huge Tranmere fan, and was devastated when it was announced (in a cameo from John Aldridge) that their star striker was being sold to a Turkish club, only to find (via a fictional TV show that woke up celebrities) that his girlfriend was having an affair with him. Having not been able to find any reference to this, I fear I may have imagined it.
A second string should win it, though. And we’ll get a boring Championship club in the fourth round.
anyone still think i’m wrong for thinking we should buy beckford? i’m all ears! oh,forgot, he’s a bad boy. newcastle can have him
Jeeeeeeeeeeeze that was dire stuff, but at least we progress. The performance, or lack of it, was another blight on McCarthys’s CV. I’m afraid neither Blake or Iwelumo are of any use, and we badly need another striker this month. Jarvis played well, as did Mr Flappy in goal, apart from that ?? TRIPE!!!
We also need some ‘seen him in the Asda’ rumours !!!
Daz, I agree that Iwelumo looked poor, but I thought SEB was good with his movement and was unfortunate not to score. Hennessey was very, very good except where he came out and let the ball past him (but I thought it was a foul anyhow). He’s catching crosses again and coming off his line. The catch he took over Michael Ricketts near the end was very strong.