Despite some other attractive matches in League One this weekend, third placed Brentford at home to top of the table Tranmere is definitely pick of the day. Uwe Rosler’s men are currently on a 12 match unbeaten record which has propelled them to their current position and put them as one of the teams in contention for promotion in the league. The last side to beat them in the league was Doncaster – who sit one place above them – way back in the middle of October. Since then they have defeated many of the top sides in League One including MK Dons, Sheffield United and Swindon – the three sides which sit directly below them in the table.
Tranmere have been previewed a couple of times already this season and I have commented both times on how resilient they have been for such a small squad of players. Each time you think they are beginning to fall away after a bad result, or a dip in form, they seem to regroup and go again. That’s been the case again as following a run of six games without a win they won their next four to remain top of the table over Christmas and New Year. They must do something similar again as the chasing pack are beginning to bunch up and Rovers suffered their first league defeat this year when they went down 1-0 away to Coventry in the week.
As you are no doubt aware, the whole of England has been hit with a massive snow storm and a lot of games have already been postponed in League One as a result of the weather. This match remains on (pending an early morning inspection) and it’s one which will be eagerly anticipated by the home fans who could see their side close the gap on the leaders to one point. Despite not being as illustrious or fashionable as many of the other sides in contention, Brentford have more than held their own against them and are definitely in with a chance as we approach the last third of the season.
Ronnie Moore will be hoping his players can continue their excellent habit of responding after a defeat – not lost consecutive matches in the league all season – but he’ll be under no illusions as to the task his side face on Saturday. Their opponents have lost just once at home all season and that solitary defeat came all the way back in August.
Hopefully this match passes the inspection and if it does, I think the home side stand a great chance of extending their unbeaten run. They are playing with a real purpose at the moment and do not offer the opposition many opportunities. I think they will just sneak this by the odd goal.
Brentford EVENS @ Bet365
