Battle-hardened Rovers gear up for Saints
Friday 11th December, 2009
By Richard Ault

Tranmere will have their new-found resolve and confidence put to the sternest test yet on Saturday when they make the long journey down south to play another in-form side, Southampton.

It feels like Rovers are in a southern league these days, the team bus is getting a tougher work-out than the team. After Tuesday night's victory at Aldershot in the FA Cup, the trip to Southampton will probably be one of the toughest matches they face all season. and poses a real threat to the five match unbeaten run.

Oh when the Saints...

When Southampton did march, or rather fall, into League One, they started off with a 10 point deduction, such is the penalty for falling into administration these days.  They've eventually come out of it pretty well though, and after a takeover of the club in July by Markus Liebherr - a German-born, Swiss billionaire - they appointed Alan Pardew as manager.

Then came the first big signing under the new regime as Bristol Rovers hot-shot Rickie Lambert joined for an initial £800,000, reportedly worth and eventual £1million.  He already has 16 goals in 25 appearances this season. 

Dan Harding (Ipswich), Dean Hammond (Colchester) and Radhi Jaidi (Birmingham) have also arrived on permanent deals, while four players are also on loan at the club, including Fiorentina's fantastically-named Papa Waigo N'Diaye.

Season so far

Bouyed by the arrival of a new owner, manager and some new players, Southampton settled into League One very swiftly.  Their odds of being promoted continue to be slashed as they have worked their way up to 15th in the league and would have been sixth without the points penalty.

They have lost only four games all season, whilst their offensive style has also seen them score more goals on the road than any other side in the division.  They come in to the match unbeaten in five and with only one defeat in their last 14 outings.

Team news

Tranmere are once again with Bas Savage, although the big striker is finally back in training as he battles back from the Achilles injury he picked up at Elland Road last April.  Alan Mahon also misses out again, so Les Parry will likely name an unchanged side from the one that won at Aldershot on Tuesday.

Southampton will be without experienced defender Graeme Murty.