Tranmere vs. Notts County: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

The home side are the favourites for this game based on the recent meetings between the two teams.

Tranmere are unbeaten in their last three games, whereas Notts County are winless in their last three. Notts County haven't kept a clean sheet in their previous five against the hosts, with Tranmere winning three of the last 5.

Connor Jennings is someone we've picked out to make an impact against Notts County. Connor Jennings scored 12 for Tranmere last season, averaging 1.8 shots per game with 0.5 finding the target. Jennings scored a brace against Notts County in this fixture last season.

Regan Hendry is likely to pick up a card for Tranmere. The midfielder received ten yellow cards last season and committed 0.7 fouls per game

We do, then, fancy Tranmere to pull off what would be a huge win on the opening day. Tranmere 2-0 Notts County.

As the curtain rises on the new League Two season this Saturday, the match between Tranmere Rovers and Notts County stands out as a compelling encounter.

• Date: 10/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 15:00
• Location: Prenton Park, Birkenhead

Last season was a challenging one for Tranmere Rovers, as they finished 16th in League Two with 57 points. This was a particularly disappointing outcome for a club that has aspirations of returning to League One, from which they were relegated in the 2019-20 campaign. The previous season was characterised by an abysmal start, with Tranmere losing 12 of their first 16 matches. However, the tide began to turn following a change in management. Ian Dawes, who struggled to find consistency with the team, was replaced by the experienced Nigel Adkins.

Nigel Adkins, a manager with a proven track record of securing promotion in the English Football League, brought a breath of fresh air to Tranmere. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to motivate players, Adkins has previously guided Scunthorpe United, Southampton, and Hull City to promotion. His arrival marked a turning point for the club as they began to show signs of improvement, playing with more cohesion and confidence. Although the turnaround was not enough to salvage a top-half finish last season, it offered a glimpse of the potential within the squad.

Adkins has had a full pre-season to implement his ideas and strengthen the squad. The departure of Rob Apter, a standout performer last season while on loan from Blackpool, leaves a void in the team. However, Tranmere have been active in the transfer market, bringing in several promising players to bolster their ranks. Right-back Cameron Norman from MK Dons adds defensive solidity and attacking thrust down the flank. Midfielder Sam Finley, formerly of Bristol Rovers, brings creativity and tenacity to the midfield. Forward Omari Patrick, signed from Sutton United, provides additional firepower up front.

Tranmere's prospects for the upcoming season remain uncertain. On one hand, they have a manager with a history of success and a squad that, on paper, appears to have been strengthened. On the other hand, the team's inconsistent performances last season raise questions about their ability to challenge for promotion. Much will depend on how quickly the new signings can integrate into the team and whether Adkins can instil the consistency needed to compete at the top end of the table.

The club's ambitions will likely hinge on their ability to strike a balance between solidifying their defence and maintaining an attacking threat. If Tranmere can address the defensive frailties that plagued them last season and capitalise on the attacking potential of their new recruits, they could find themselves in the mix for a playoff spot. However, should they falter early on, another mid-table finish may be on the cards.

Notts County enter the new season with a sense of determination and the expectation of contending for promotion. Last season, the club finished 14th in League Two with 61 points, having been promoted from the National League the previous season. Despite being one of the favourites for successive promotions, County fell short of their ambitions, experiencing a decline in form after a promising start.

The departure of manager Luke Williams in January was a significant moment for Notts County. Williams, who guided the club to promotion from the National League, left for Swansea City, leaving a void that was filled by Stuart Maynard. Maynard, tasked with steadying the ship and building on Williams' foundations, now faces the challenge of taking the team to the next level.

Maynard's focus will undoubtedly be on addressing the defensive issues that plagued County last season. The club's defence was a major weakness, and efforts have been made to rectify this through a series of astute signings. The arrivals of centre-backs Rod McDonald from Harrogate Town, Jacob Bedeau from Morecambe, Matthew Platt from Bradford City, and Robbie Cundy from Barnsley highlight a concerted effort to bolster the defensive line. These acquisitions are expected to add depth, experience, and resilience to a backline that struggled to keep clean sheets.

Notts County face a significant challenge in replacing the goals of Macaulay Langstaff, who departed for Championship side Millwall after scoring 71 goals in 91 league games for the club, including 28 in the league last season. The responsibility of filling this void falls on the shoulders of Gambian striker Alassana Jatta. Jatta, who was signed from Viborg last January, has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring five goals in ten league games. His form and ability to lead the line will be crucial in County's quest for promotion.

The addition of left-back/winger Nick Tsaroulla from Crawley Town and goalkeeper Alex Bass from Sunderland further strengthens the squad. Tsaroulla's versatility and attacking prowess on the left flank provide County with an additional dimension going forward. Meanwhile, Bass brings high potential and reliability between the posts, addressing another area of concern from last season.

The head-to-head record between Tranmere Rovers and Notts County adds an intriguing subplot to this opening fixture. Both sides have won three of their last six encounters, with all victories coming for the home team. This trend underscores the importance of home advantage in this matchup, with Prenton Park potentially playing a significant role in shaping the outcome.

As Tranmere Rovers and Notts County prepare to lock horns on the opening weekend of the League Two season, the stakes are high for both clubs. Tranmere, under the guidance of Nigel Adkins, are eager to banish the memories of last season's struggles and push for a playoff spot. Notts County, led by Stuart Maynard, have their sights set on promotion, building on the foundations laid last season.

This game will be shown on SkySports+ via subscription.

Tranmere Team News:

The Merseyside club will no doubt involve a number of their new recruits in this game.

Cameron Norman, Omari Patrick and Josh Davison could all make their first competitive starts for the club.

Predicted lineup: McGee; O'Connor, Norman, Davies, Wood; Jennings, Walker, Hendry; Davison, Norris, Patrick.

Notts County Team News:

Likewise, Notts County should give competitive debuts to a few new recruits, likely Alex Bass, Jacob Bedeau and Matty Platt.

Predicted lineup: Bass; Bedeau, Platt, Macari; Robertson, Crowley; Nemane, Austin, Jones; Scott, Jatta.

Tranmere ended last season in mixed fashion, registering two wins, one draw and two defeats from their final five games of the campaign. Those results were a 1-1 draw with Colchester United, a 103 defeat to Walsall, a 2-1 win over Newport County, a 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon and a 4-1 loss to Accrington Stanley.

Preseason, though, has been very successful for the Merseyside club, with Tranmere registering a 1-1 draw with Fylde before claiming wins over Blackpool (3-1) and Wigan Athletic (2-1).

Notts County ended last season pretty positively, winning three and losing two of their last five games. County registered wins over Harrogate Town (3-0) and Walsall, a 2-5 loss to Stockport County, a 1-0 win over Colchester United and a 1-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers.

Notts County's preseason has been long, but results haven't been great. Wins over Wycombe Wanderers (1-0) and Wealdstone (2-1) were followed by a 3-1 defeat to MSV Duisburg, a 2-2 draw against York City, a 2-1 loss to Boston United and a 4-3 defeat to Peterborough United.

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