It could well be one of Swansea’ most important games to the season tomorrow as Martinez and his side travel North West Tranmere at Prenton Park.
Roberto has targetted 7 wins from the last 10 games, and failure to kick off that target with a win tomorrow will almsot certainly rule us out of a play-off come May.
Vital Quotes:
Roberto Martinez: ”Every game is going to be massive, although this one maybe has a bit more bite because they’re in the position where we want to be,” he added.
”But we won’t be out of it if we lose. We’ll just be looking for seven wins from nine, which is still well possible.
”Teams have done it in the past, and I’ve told the players I don’t want to be beaten between now and May 5.
”I’ve told them not to look at the league table because that reflects the last eight months and we don’t want to look into that.
”We need to look forward to the 10 games which will define our season.”
Tranmere Team News:
Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore will be without John Thompson (knee) and John Achterberg though he should have Ian Goodison and John Mullin available.
Player to watch: Chris Greenacre
Greenacre is well-known for his scoring heroics for Mansfield in League 2 a few seasons ago and he has continued that consistency at Tranmere, where he has scored 16 so far this term.
Before joining Tranmere, he moved to Championship side Stoke and spent 3 seasons at the club.
He failed to show his scoring ability with Stoke and later joined the Terriers at the beginning of last season.
Swansea Team News:
Martinez receives a defensive boost ahead of the game as Dennis Lawrence and Kevin Amankwaah are both available again following 1-match suspensions.
Also travelling with the squad are Richard Duffy and Shaun MacDonald who have both recently returned from injury.
Akinfenwa is out for 6 months so Martinez will have just 2 senior strikers available plus youngster Chris Jones.
Player to watch: Kristian O’Leary
One of our best players against Orient last week and he’ll have another important job to do tomorrow in the heart of midfield.
I wasn’t too impressed with Robinson but he should relish the opportunity to face his former club.
Match Facts & Stats
In the last 6 games between the two sides, Tranmere have won 3, Swansea have won 2 with 1 draw.
Earlier in the season the two sides drew 0-0 at the Liberty Stadium.
Our last away win against Tranmere was 19 years ago in 1987. We beat them 2-1 in Division 3.
Tranmere currently occupy the last play-off place in 6th with 56 points ahead of us in 9th with 52.
Tranmere’s current form: WLDWWL
Match Prediction:
It’s going to be a tough game no doubt and I think we’ll do well to get another draw. 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
Friday, 16 March 2007
Swansea v Chesterfield, 19:45
Saturday, 24 March 2007
Swansea v Northampton, 15:00
Saturday, 31 March 2007
Millwall v Swansea, 15:00
