English League One
2012-09-15 - Tranmere Rovers vs Coventry City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English League One
Saturday 15 September 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
Tranmere Rovers
I don't think a lot of people tipped Tranmere Rovers as a potential Promotion candidate from League One, but Ronnie Moore has guided his team up the table. They have made a really good start to the new season, but this is a marathon and not a sprint so a lot of hard work is yet to be completed.
Tranmere are 2nd in the League One table having remained unbeaten in the early part of the season and they have picked up 11 points from their 5 League games. The side are 2-0-0 at home, scoring 7 goals and conceding 1, although they are not taking anything for granted with tougher opposition than Leyton Orient and Colchester United sure to visit.
The start to the season means they are unbeaten in their last 9 League One games going back to the end of last season. It is Tranmere's home form that has been particularly impressive as they have moved to 14 League games unbeaten here and have also won 6 of their last 8 in front of their own fans.
Ian Goodison and Paul Black are both unavailable for selection through injury in what is an otherwise fit squad to choose from for Ronnie Moore.
Coventry City
Coventry City were relegated last season from the Championship and a disappointing start to the season saw Andy Thorn lose his job as manager of the club. Lee Carsley and Richard Shaw will be in charge for the next 2 League games, but they will want an improvement in the results even if they are not selected as the new management staff.
The side are 21st in the League One table and they remain one of only four sides that are yet to pick up a win this season. They have gained 3 points from their opening 5 games, but have lost both League games under the guidance of their caretaker managers while they are 0-1-1 away from home, scoring 1 goal and conceding 2.
They have now won just 1 of their last 14 games in all competitions, that coming in the Capital One Cup first round. Coventry have now won just 2 of their last 28 away games in all competitions and it has to be a worry that they have lost 18 of those games. However, the Sky Blues have only lost 3 of their last 9 away games in all competitions.
John Fleck is still unavailable for selection, but he is the only major doubt ahead of this game.
Head to Head
Tranmere Rovers and Coventry City are far from familiar foes with the last meeting between the two coming in the 1999/2000 League Cup. Previous to that game, they hadn't played since the 1970/71 season.
The only thing to say is that Tranmere have won 4 of their last 5 home games against Coventry, but obviously they have taken place some time ago and over a long period of time.
Prediction
Richard Shaw told the local press that he doesn't believe the lack of a permanent manager is affecting his side, but they have lost both of their League games in that situation and I feel this could be their third in a row with a game against Shrewsbury on slate for Tuesday. After that game, Coventry are expected to make an announcement for a new manager and things may finally begin to turn around.
They are facing a confident Tranmere Rovers side that have thumped two sides at home already this season and have made this ground something of a fortress over the last few games.
At odds against, the home side look the call to extend their good home run and I am encouraged that they are not just unbeaten here recently, but they have won 6 of their last 8 in front of their fans so obviously feel they have enough to grab the goals to win games.
Coventry are a tough team though, so I wouldn't under-estimate them, I just think they need the certainty of a permanent manager to get them performing in the manner expected and start moving up the table.
The Pick :
Tranmere Rovers 2-1 Coventry City
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Tranmere Rovers @ 2.10
