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Interesting encounter in the Capital One Cup third round between League One side Tranmere and Premiership boys Stoke.
Tranmere Rovers is having difficulties in the beginning of the season, the home side is only just above the relegation zone in their division. 1 win, 2 draws, 5 losses with a goal difference of 9-19 are far from impressive numbers. Besides this, Tranmere is not looking to improve at all, actually they are playing worse as time goes by. The home side has one tiny point in the last three rounds. Playing at home did not help Tranmere too much so far, they are winless on their own stadium until now.
Since the departure of Tony Pulis, Stoke lost that “british accent” in their football. Previously a very disciplined side, playing with long balls, Stoke is now preferring possession football, a thing that for sure is going to help against inferior league teams that choose to park the bus. Stoke was good this year, they are sitting on a comfortable 10th place and look value for their money to finish in the top half of the table. The visitors enter this game on the back of a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, an understandable loss.
Team news
Indeed, Mark Hughes will rest a couple of first team players for this one. Nevertheless, a mix of reserves and regulars would still compose a very strong lineup, as a similar team was able to comfortably dispatch Walsall 3-1 in the previous round. Tranmere will not be at their best themselves, missing Goodison (rested), Koumas, Robinson, Wallace and Kirby (all injured). Of course, it`s a no contest between the quality of the squads, Stoke is much, much better.
Stoke will keep most of the possession and considering their form you have to think they will be able to create a fair number of chances against weaker and out of form opposition. Tranmere is conceding more than 2 goals per game in average so it would be a small miracle for them to keep a clean sheet. They will try to hit on counters but it will not be an easy task. The Potters usually perform very well against teams from lower divisions, including when playing away from home, so a solid win for the visitors is expected. I’d say 2-0 or 2-1 for Stoke with no real question marks regarding the winner during the game.
Pick: Stoke City
Odds: 1.73 @ William Hill
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.11
Event date: 25 September
Editor Facts
- Rostick won 8 out of the last 12 tips
