Tranmere Rovers turn attentions to league action as they welcome Oldham Athletic to Prenton Park

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Tranmere Rovers secured a place in the Papa John’s Trophy final on Tuesday night as attention returns to league action this weekend with the visit Oldham Athletic.

Victory over Oxford United during the week was Keith Hill’s sides fourth against League One opposition this season. They will be hoping a win on Saturday will aid them in their pursuit to return to the said league at the first time of asking.

Kaiyne Woolery and Kieron Morris got the goals as the strength of the squad at Hill’s disposal was further highlighted. Lee O’Connor once again started in the holding midfield role, allowing Jay Spearing a rest as he only appeared for the final 20 minutes.

Otis Khan’s injury was the only downside for Hill and the former Mansfield man may be missing for the visit of Harry Kewell’s men. The 25-year-old has been excellent in recent weeks and while it’s a blow, O’Connor can deputise in his more natural position should the ex-Yeovil man not make it.

There was plenty of League Two action on Tuesday and while not every result went Tranmere’s way, there were more positives to take. Morecambe and Carlisle both suffered defeats while Exeter and Newport dropped points against each other.

Tranmere now find themselves in sixth, just three points off automatic promotion. Things are still quite congested however and Rovers will be hoping for a win to consolidate the Play-Off spot.

With Khan the only major injury concern, regulars like Spearing and James Vaughan will be expected to return to the starting lineup.

Having only taken one point from their opening five games, Oldham have since steadied the ship and haven’t suffered back to back league defeats since September.

Goals at both ends have been a staple of the Latics’ fixtures this season with the December defeat to Tranmere one of only eight occasions they failed to hit the net.

Without an away win in 2021, Kewell will be hoping to halt that particular run on Saturday and take a step closer to safety. While relegation now looks to be between Grimsby, Barrow and Southend, the Australian will know it’s not time to let the guard down.

Conor McAleny has 12 league goals this season and will be hoping to add to this total on his return to his native Merseyside.

With four promotion rivals in action against each other this weekend, this is another great opportunity for Tranmere to steal a march in the race for glory. Unlike their previous game with Stevenage, they need to take full advantage.

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