Boosted by the loan signing of Billy Waters, Cheltenham Town host Tranmere Rovers at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).
The Robins are in home Sky Bet League Two action for the first time in 2019 against a Tranmere side who are back in the Football League this season and who have made an impressive start to life on return to this level.
Michael Duff’s side exited the Checkatrade Trophy at the third round stage on Tuesday evening on penalties against League One Oxford United who they pushed all the way, and head into Saturday’s fixture with plenty of hope that they can add to their ever growing points total of late.
Tickets for Saturday’s game are available to buy on the day on the turnstiles and can also be purchased in advance online.
Team news
Jordon Forster faces a fight to be fit following the dead leg he suffered on Tuesday. Defensive colleagues Johnny Mullins, Will Boyle and Sean Long remain out through injury.
Nigel Atangana had surgery on Thursday on his ruptured Achilles and Manny Duku has a knee problem that rules him out of selection.
Billy Waters is expected to be in the squad and could make his second debut for the club while Cameron Pring returns from being cup-tied for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy game.
Watch Michael Duff’s pre-match press conference here:
Opposition
Following a three season stay in the National League, Tranmere returned to the Football League this season after beating Boreham Wood in last season’s National League promotion final at Wembley.
They occupy 9th position in the table heading into the weekend and last time out were in FA Cup third round action against top flight Tottenham Hotspur who turned on the style to win heavily at Prenton Park.
It’s back to league commitments though this weekend for the 2000 League Cup runners up, who could hand debuts to new recruits David Perkins and former West Brom front man Ishmael Miller.
In James Norwood they already carry a front man who will provide a threat. The former Forest Green attacker has notched 18 times this season, while Connor Jennings, brother of former Robins left back James, has netted eight times himself.
The likes of Doncaster Rovers loanee Luke McCullough and lively right sided defender or wing back Jake Caprice, plus the experienced heads of Steve McNulty and Jay Harris will also be ones to watch.
Tranmere boast one of the best home records in the division, but on their travels it’s a different story. They sit 19th in the away form table having taken only 11 points on the road this season.
Previous meeetings
It’s the Robins who just about hold the edge when it’s come to previous clashes in League One, League Two, the Conference and FA Cup.
In all competitions Cheltenham have come out on top seven times, while Tranmere have won five of the 14 games. There have meanwhile been two draws - both in 2007.
Contests have also remained relatively tight between the two. On only three of the club’s meetings has one team ended the 90 minutes two goals up on one another.
James Norwood’s strike back in August delivered three points for Tranmere in the meeting earlier in the campaign, while the last time the clubs came up against each other, during the 2015-16 season, saw the win record shared with both clubs achieving 1-0 away victories.
Tickets
Fans can buy in advance online by clicking here, or by purchasing on the turnstiles. For information on ticket prices click here.
The ticket office and club shop will be open from midday for supporters wanting to purchase tickets for upcoming home and away matches and merchandise.
Coverage
For match updates, team news and in game photos keep an eye on the club’s Twitter account at @CTFCofficial. You can also check out the latest on the club’s Facebook page and view full reaction and the match report on the club website after the game.
Listen to full match commentary on BBC Radio Gloucestershire and online via iFollow.