Preview: Tranmere Rovers vs. Leicester City - prediction, team news, lineups

It is the first time the two sides are set to meet in the competition since the final in 2000, in which Leicester emerged 2-1 winners at Wembley.

Match preview

Under the helm of new manager Ian Daes, Tranmere have endured a difficult start to the campaign, currently sitting 21st in the League Two table, having only won one of their first five games.

Pressure is already building on Dawes, ahead of what is set to be a difficult week, coming up against a Championship side in the EFL Cup, before taking on local rivals Wrexham at Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Rovers lost their first two league games of the season, being defeated at home against Barrow, before losing 1-0 at MK Dons on the road, but there was some respite, beating Barnsley away on penalties to reach the second round of the EFL Cup.

A 3-0 victory against Harrogate Town followed in Tranmere's next home league game, which had the potential to be a morale-boosting result, but they have gone on to lose their last two games, most recently coming up short away at Notts County.

In their trip to Meadow Lane last time out, the Rovers showed some fight late on in the second half, with Josh Hawkes bagging a late goal, but they could not overturn a two-goal deficit, losing 2-1 against the newly-promoted side.

Unlike their opponents, Leicester have made a very promising start to the season, as they look to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, currently sitting top of the Championship table, having won their first four league games.

The Foxes have not breezed past their opponents, winning every league game by a one-goal margin, but they have done enough to lay down an early marker as contenders for promotion, while also booking their place in the second round of the EFL Cup.

To reach this stage of the competition, Enzo Maresca's side recorded a relatively comfortable victory against League One side Burton Albion, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfried Ndidi getting on the scoresheet to secure a 2-0 win.

Last time out, Leicester extended their winning run to five games in all competitions, with Kasey McAteer scoring a brace away at Rotherham United to steer his side to a 2-1 victory.

Tranmere Rovers EFL Cup form:

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Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):

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Leicester City EFL Cup form:

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Leicester City form (all competitions):

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Team News

Tranmere played central midfielder Chris Merrie in a makeshift left-back role at the weekend, with Jake leake not being included in the squad, and the 24-year-old could keep his place in the side.

Lee Vaughan and Luke Norris suffered injuries in the recent 4-3 defeat against Salford City, with both being ruled out of the last match, meaning Joe Yarney could get the nod at right-back, while Kristian Dennis may lead the line.

Having scored the Rovers' only goal after coming on as a substitute against Notts County, Hawkes could be rewarded with a start, meaning Charlie Jolley may drop to the bench.

Coming up against a League Two side in the EFL Cup, Leicester are likely to give game time to some of their out of favour players, although McAteer is likely to keep his place in the starting lineup, given his heroics at the weekend.

Jamie Vardy has only featured as a bit-part player so far this season, but the 36-year-old could be given a chance in the starting lineup, replacing Kelechi Iheanacho.

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGee; Yarney, Davies, Turnbull, Merrie; Jennings, Lewis, Hendry, Morris, Dennis, Hawkes

Leicester City possible starting lineup:

Stolarczyk; Justin, Faes, Doyle; Albrighton, Winks, Choudhury, Marcal-Madivadua; McAteer, Mavididi, Vardy

We say: Tranmere Rovers 0-2 Leicester City

Tranmere Rovers and Leicester City are separated by two divisions, with the Foxes performing very well in their respective league, while the Rovers have made a poor start to the season.

As such, we expect the visitors to record another relatively comfortable win in the EFL Cup, booking their place in the third round of the competition.

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