Three massive League Two points are on the line this weekend at Prenton Park, where Tranmere Rovers will be playing host to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
A victory for the hosts will secure their status in the division for next season, while three points from the visitors could keep them in the running to make the playoffs.
Match preview
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Tranmere Rovers were hoping to avoid any end-of-season nerves by claiming a crucial win over Barrow on Easter Monday, but their efforts ended in disappointment as the match finished in a stalemate.
The Rovers camp was left frustrated after a strong second-half penalty appeal was waved away, with Omari Patrick going to ground under a challenge from Robbie Gotts.
However, aside from that contentious moment, the encounter offered little in the way of attacking quality, with both sides struggling to create meaningful opportunities throughout the 90.
The result left Rovers four points clear of second-bottom Carlisle United, whose survival chances remain slim with just two games remaining following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley.
Andy Crosby's side are now winless in their last three league games, but have experienced an uptick in form at home of late, having taken 10 points in four matches at this venue since the start of March, before losing to league leaders Doncaster Rovers last time out.
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Meanwhile, after a solid sixth-placed finish in the 2023-24 campaign, Crewe Alexandra look likely to miss out on the playoffs this season unless they can win their remaining games while also getting a massive slice of luck with results elsewhere.
The Railwaymen head into this match following a 1-0 loss to MK Dons earlier in the week, with an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Filip Marschall gifting Dons' striker Scott Hogan a simple goal in the 28th minute.
Despite the defeat and the possibility of missing out on the playoffs, Lee Bell mentioned after the match that motivation will not be a problem for his players, while also explaining that the final two games will give them a chance to work on certain key aspects for next season.
Crewe have now lost three of their last four league games, but they have been tough to beat on the road recently, losing only two of their last 10 away league matches, while drawing six and winning two of the remaining eight during that period.
Team News
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Rovers made a pair of changes from Friday's loss to Doncaster, with Chris Merrie and Tom Davies returning to the starting lineup in place of Josh Hawkes and Kieron Morris.
However, Hawkes will likely be given the nod to start again this week, after coming on for Cameron Norman, who sustained an injury three minutes before the interval on Monday night.
Owen Lunt was sent off for violent conduct in the first half against Colchester on Easter Friday, but the decision was later overturned, following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal by the Club.
Chris Long was given the final 30 minutes off the bench against MK Dons last week and could be brought in to lead the line in place of Kane Hemmings, who has only scored one goal since returning from injury at the start of last month.
Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; Hawkes, O'Connor, Davies, Turnbull; Finley, Merrie, Wood; Patrick, Hendry; Dennis
Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:
Marscall; Billington, O'Riordan, Demetriou, Williams; Lowery, Thomas; Tabiner, Lunt, Conway; Long
We say: Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
While Tranmere Rovers have improved at home over the last month, Crewe have been a tough team to beat on the road this season, and we feel the visitors will take at least a point from this contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Devesh Jaganath
