Match Thread - Tranmere Rovers v Port Vale

[Fosse69]

20 years or so since this was a Tier 2 visit, no doubt Rovers are glad to be back in Tier 4 though. Well, we scored away I suppose that is progress, although we are still experimenting with player formations. Since we now have sufficient defenders with an organiser, hopefully Montano will now be used in a forward position. I am expecting training this week to concentrate more on attacking options to make better use of Miller`s runs and increase the number of crosses. Maybe we could borrow a winger from Villa? Go for a win Vale, we must be due one.

[SourceOfTheTrent]

Absolutely have to be positive in team selection, tactics and attitude in this one. No point in doing the same thing we have since Christmas and expecting a different result, unless you're an idiot that is!

[lipalover]

4-4-2

 

Gk- Brown

Rb- Gibbons

Lb- Clark

Cb- Legge

Cb- Rawlinson

Rw- Kanu

Dcm- Joyce

Cm- Hannant

Lw- Montano

Cf- Pope

Cf Miller

 

Play positively, attack players with pace, whip crosses into the box, play to Popes strengths. If we lose, lose having a go.

[Mattholl]

4-4-2

 

Gk- Brown

Rb- Gibbons

Lb- Clark

Cb- Legge

Cb- Rawlinson

Rw- Kanu

Dcm- Joyce

Cm- Hannant

Lw- Montano

Cf- Pope

Cf Miller

 

Play positively, attack players with pace, whip crosses into the box, play to Popes strengths. If we lose, lose having a go.

 

Id pretty much play the same only with Worrall playing out wide right

[davehartshill]

4-4-2

 

Gk- Brown

Rb- Gibbons

Lb- Clark

Cb- Legge

Cb- Rawlinson

Rw- Kanu

Dcm- Joyce

Cm- Hannant

Lw- Montano

Cf- Pope

Cf Miller

 

Play positively, attack players with pace, whip crosses into the box, play to Popes strengths. If we lose, lose having a go.

 

That looks good on paper.

 

Only problems are that I cant’t see him starting Kanu, Hannant won’t play in the middle because Aspin seems convinced he’s a left winger/left wing back and Gibbons probably won’t start.

 

I genuinely think we will start with the same 11 but with Montano instead of Dodds in behind.

[Fosse69]

It seems pretty certain that Tranmere will not know what to expect, but how do they play? Early days really for us with 12 players coming in, may take 10 games to settle down, hopefully some attacking options to emerge quickly, lets make it now.

[Bradwell Exile]

The second half at Carlisle was an improvement upon recent performances, so i personally would be tempted to go with:

 

Brown

 

Smith - Legge - Rawlinson

 

Clark - Joyce - Kay - Hannant

 

Montano

 

Pope - Miller

[Rudge's Flat Cap]

Gk Brown

RB Gibbons

CB Legge

CB Rawlinson

LB Clarke

RW Worrall

CB Hannant

CB Joyce

LW Montano

ST Pope

ST Miller.

 

Tranmere 1 - 2 The Vale.

[davehartshill]

Gk Brown

RB Gibbons

CB Legge

CB Rawlinson

LB Clarke

RW Worrall

CB Hannant

CB Joyce

LW Montano

ST Pope

ST Miller.

 

Tranmere 1 - 2 The Vale.

 

Even Aspin won’t play with 4 centre backs.

 

That does look a good starting 11, though.

[Paul6754]

See they've signed a new striker this week on loan (Akkamandu ??), he bound to score against us, fancy we'll win though.

[Biddulph_PV]

Brown

Gibbons-Legge-Smith-Rawlinson-Clark

Hannant-Joyce-Monty

Miller-Pope

[Warren]

Because I live on the Wirral I am quite knowledgeable about Tranmere. Port Vale need to target McNulty on the ground where he lacks mobility and pace, in the air through Tom Pope and later in the game as he tires. He is overweight. The keeper also needs to be pressured in possession as he has a mistake in him. We need counter Norwood effectvely who is a cultured finisher. His weakness is laziness but that doesn't undermine his finishing. Prenton Park is a small pitch and I ask in the remote hope that we pick a midfield that can pass and close down quickly. Please.

[SourceOfTheTrent]

I'm amazed Steve McNulty is only 34, he looked older than that when he played for Fleetwood!

I think you're right about focussing on him though, he's an experienced and powerful defender but has never had any pace and was a bit of a pudding last time I saw him which was a couple of seasons ago. Surely some good through balls to Miller could create some problems by allowing Miller to run past him?

[Warren]

I'm amazed Steve McNulty is only 34, he looked older than that when he played for Fleetwood!

I think you're right about focussing on him though, he's an experienced and powerful defender but has never had any pace and was a bit of a pudding last time I saw him which was a couple of seasons ago. Surely some good through balls to Miller could create some problems by allowing Miller to run past him?

 

I think you are right. Miller on the deck should give him a torrid time.

[valefan16]

McNulty was torn apart that great night at Fleetwood by Dodds and Pope. He literally looks like a Sunday League defender in stature!