Swindonvs.Tranmere

The hosts come into this fixture looking to extend their two-game winning streak in hopes of moving closer to the top half, while the visitors are looking to snap a three-game winless run and put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

Match preview

Swindon started 2025 on a winning note courtesy of a 3-2 win over Colchester United at the County Ground, but a two-game winless spell in the league soon followed, losing 2-0 to Notts County, before drawing 0-0 against Crewe Alexandra in gameweek 26.

Soon after, Ian Holloway's team returned to winning ways, claiming two consecutive league victories against Barrow (2-0) and Newport County (2-1).

Currently 18th in the standings with 31 points across 28 fixtures, the Robins are only four points behind 12th-placed MK Dons and within touching distance of the top half, so a win on Tuesday will be a step in the right direction.

However, the defence of the hosts has been suspect all season, having kept only five clean sheets and conceded 42 goals this term, averaging 1.50 per game, but the visiting Tranmere have had troubles finding the back of the net, scoring 19 all season and firing blanks in four of their last six league matches on the road.

That said, Swindon's recent home form is not to be discarded - with four wins from their last five matches, and scoring at least three goals in all but two of those encounters, the visitors will face yet another tough test on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tranmere come into this fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw against Gillingham at Prenton Park, extending their winless run to three games.

Despite earning a point last time out, Nigel Adkins's men are still looking over their shoulders, aiming not to descend dangerously close to the drop zone - although they have two games in hand.

The Rovers' record of six wins, eight draws, and 12 losses from 26 league matches leaves them 22nd in the standings with 26 points - a place and five points above the relegation zone.

The Merseyside-based outfit are in dire need of points to put more distance between themselves and the relegation zone; however, they have a mountain to climb considering their results on the road.

The Super White Army have lost nine of their 13 fixtures away from home, and all but two of those defeats have come in their last seven away days - shipping 19 goals in that time.

Up against a Swindon side that scored 11 goals in their last five home matches, the odds are stacked against the visitors.

Swindon Town League Two form:

D

W

L

D

W

W

Swindon Town form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

W

W

Tranmere Rovers League Two form:

D

L

W

L

L

D

Team News

For the hosts, Ian Holloway has a fully fit squad to choose his starting XI from; however, he is likely to field an unchanged side.

Tunmise Sobowale, William Wright, Ryan Delaney and George Cox should form the defensive quartet.

In attack, Harry Smith is expected to lead the line, with support from Aaron Drinan and Thomas Nichols.

As for the visitors, first-choice goalkeeper Luke McGee should keep his place between the sticks, while Jordan Turnbull and Thomas Davies will partner in the heart of defence for the visitors.

Leading scorers, Omari Patrick (six) and Connor Jennings (four), are expected to keep their places in the starting XI.

Swindon Town possible starting lineup:

Bycroft; Sobowale, Wright, Delaney, Cox; Kilkenny, Clarke, Ofoborh; Nichols, Drinan; Smith

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGee; Wood, Turnbull, Davies, Norman; Khan; Morris, Jennings, Patrick, Solomon; Davison

We say: Swindon Town 3-1 Tranmere Rovers

Swindon have been enjoying a good run of form, especially in front of their fans, and with their dominant showing coupled with their attacking threat, they are primed for a win on Tuesday.

Given the attacking prowess of the Robins, coupled with the defensive frailties of the visitors, we back the home side to claim a 3-1 victory.

Written by

Ademola Adediji

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