Tranmere kick off their travels back in League 1 with their longest trip in the division, taking on Portsmouth in what will be a tough test at Fratton Park this Saturday.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back from opening day defeats, with Rovers suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Rochdale last weekend, while Portsmouth were subject to a 1-0 defeat away at Shrewsbury. Pompey, however, competed in the Carabao Cup in midweek, and recorded a superb 3-0 victory over the Championship’s Birmingham, giving Tranmere an indication of the difficult test they face. Although for much of Rovers opening game visitors Rochdale looked in control, Micky Mellon’s men produced a fightback in the latter stages with two late goals, which could give them some much needed confidence going into this weekends fixture.

It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since competing in League 2 in February 2015. Rovers were on the receiving end of a 3-2 defeat, despite leading 2-0, courtesy of a superb turnaround from Pompey in the last 15 minutes. Portsmouth will also be clear favourites for the game on Saturday, as they look to right the wrongs of last season and go all the way and achieve promotion this time round, so Rovers will have to be at their best to get anything out of the game.

The Whites will be hoping to get off the mark back in League 1 with a positive result at Fratton Park, although on paper it is one of the toughest fixtures they will have this season. Despite Portsmouth losing key players Matt Clarke and Jamal Lowe for a combined amount in the region of £6m, they recruited well in the summer, bringing in the likes of Marcus Harness from Burton Albion, and John Marquis from Doncaster Rovers, two players who lit up the division last season. Rovers, on the other hand, being newcomers to the division after last seasons promotion have had to rely on mainly free transfers and loans, only paying a fee for one player, Morgan Ferrier from Walsall. Ferrier showed glimpses of what he can do Saturday, striking the post after his second half introduction, and Rovers will want more of the same this Saturday with Mellon expected to select him from the start.

Team News

Micky Mellon has kept his cards close to his chest in terms of the availability of his players, stating ‘I don’t want Kenny Jackett knowing who’s playing’. What we do know is, Jake Caprice will miss out, and is expected to be ruled out for at least a few more weeks with an injury sustained last month. The injury Ishmael Miller suffered in pre season against Walsall is expected to be a long-term one, with the striker not being available this Saturday, and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy misses out after being suspended for an altercation with a Rochdale player last week. As for the others, Calum Woods was only fit enough to make the bench last week, although Mellon will be hoping he is available as Sid Nelson had to play in an unfamiliar role at right-back against Rochdale, and Corey Blackett-Taylor is still expected to be out.

Portsmouth, on the other hand, will have a near full-strength squad to choose from. Ross McCrorie was sent off after picking up two yellow cards against Shrewsbury on the opening day, but will be back and available for selection as he served his 1 match ban mid week against Birmingham. John Marquis also missed out mid week as his wife went into labour, but Ellis Harrison may be chosen to start ahead of him with the striker scoring a brace in Marquis’ absence. James Bolton is a slight doubt for Pompey, suffering a twisted ankle last weekend, whereas Bryn Morris and Ryan Williams will miss out with continuing injury issues.

Verdict

Tranmere should expect a healthy away following, despite the long trip, to mark the clubs first away game back in League 1. Around 700 Rovers fans are likely to make the long trip down, and I’m going to be positive and say they will be rewarded for their loyalty, with a 1-1 draw on the South Coast.

Up The Whites!