While Willie Donachie has improved results and performances since replacing Nigel Spackman, Millwall remain in the relegation zone ahead of tricky trip to Tranmere. In many ways it would have been impossible to be as bad as Spackman so Donachie still has plenty to prove as he looks to convince the board to give him the job on a permanent basis.
Vital Quotes:
Willie Donachie said: “It would be a fantastic boost and that’s my immediate short-term goal. All I’m concentrating on is getting a result this evening and getting out of the bottom four. Tranmere will provide us with a hard game. They are strong and organised like almost every team in this League. I know their players; I’ve worked with three of their front men so I know that they are good, honest and hard-working. But that’s the same with our team and I feel quite confident we can get something there.”
Ronnie Moore said: “Willie is one of the best coaches around and Millwall’s results have definitely improved since he took over. This will be a big test. Willie is a footballing man who likes his teams to get the ball down and play from the back. But they can also play directly and use pace. Don’t be kidded that because Millwall are near to the bottom of the table that the result is going to be a foregone conclusion. Willie is a shrewd man. Some people say he is a bit dour but that is just his Scottish personality. We could move into third place if we beat Millwall and that will put a lot of pressure on the other sides in the top section when they play tomorrow.”
Tranmere Team News:
Winger Kevin Ellison (ankle) is unavailable and boss Ronnie Moore is also without Stephen Jennings, Calvin Zola and Robbie Stockdale due to knee, foot and hamstring problems respectively. Fit-again Paul McLaren is likely to feature as are Steve Davies and on-loan Nottingham Forest defender John Thompson.
Player to watch: Chris Greenacre
A livewire striker who can snatch a goal and create chances with equal aplomb
Millwall Team News:
Tony Craig is ruled out after dislocating his shoulder against Bournemouth. Mark Phillips is also out after an appendicitis operation. Samy Mawene faces a late fitness test on a leg injury. Jody Morris (knee), Tom Brighton (ankle) and Neal Ardley (hernia) are long-term absentees.
Player to watch: Marvin Williams
His sharp finish against Bournemouth hinted at the youngster`s undoubted potential, but he still needs to put his assets to better use.
Match Facts & Stats
Millwall`s last defeat against Tranmere was in September 1994.
Millwall have never won a league match at Tranmere (lost six out of eight visits). Their only win was in the FA Cup quarter-final replay in 2004.
Tranmere have won only one of their last five home matches in all competitions.
Ref Watch:
A Taylor
Match Prediction:
Tranmere 2 Millwall 0. The Lions have a terrible record at Prenton Park and it`s unlikely to improve against Ronnie Moore`s play-off hopefuls. This is the kind of match that team who are going places get something from. Over to you lads?
Next Fixtures:
Havant and Waterlooville (a) Monday November 13, FA Cup first round
Doncaster (h) Saturday November 18
