17th placed Bristol Rovers take on 5th placed Tranmere here but don’t let the league positioning fool you.

Bristol may be a long way off the top but on closer inspection are only 11 points adrift with a mammoth 4 games in hand. It may also come as a surprise to many that a top 6 finishing position is still in the minds of Paul Trollope and his charges. The recent FA Cup success against Southampton was another indication of how they are moving in the right direction and a ¼ final draw at home to Chelsea is a huge bonus.

Back to the league form though and with three wins on the trot at home Bristol are moving in the right direction. They have tasted defeat only once in their last 14 matches, collecting nine clean sheets in the process and have a tough defence to break down.

13 goals in their last 7 home games would indicate that their forward unit is playing well together and this will be a good test for them against a Tranmere side looking for their 4th consecutive clean sheet on their travels.

Tranmere’s defence has pivotal in their recent good form. 5 clean sheets in their last 6 outings has helped them take 14 points from a possible 18 and that’s the kind of form that has taken them to the playoff spots. With 1st place all but wrapped up by Swansea and 2nd place being fought out for by Doncaster, Forest and Carlisle, Tranmere may just look to keep the good results coming and consolidate a playoff place and give themselves a chance of promotion.

Verdict

Just a quick glance over the stats and you will struggle to find any reason why there will be goals in this one. Tranmere’s defence has been amazingly good but it cant last and I think Bristol Rovers may just do enough to nick this 1 – 0.

Taking the home side draw no bet pays out at 1.82 at canbet and with the added insurance if it’s a draw is good enough for me.

Pick : Home -0
Odds : 1.82
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Canbet
Match Result : 1-1
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