Preview Tranmere Rovers v Latics: here come the BAWA

Latics’ last visit to Prenton Park was memorable for lots of reasons. In beating Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup 1st Round in November 2024, Latics were signalling unambiguous intent and capability in what became the season when they won promotion out of the National League.

It was an unbelievable day. Some 2,000 travelled to Birkenhead and, even though Tranmere went ahead early, not one Latics fan thought their side would lose. When Jeserun Uchegbulam, who scored the winner, took a selfie long after the final whistle, the away end was still packed and still bouncing. At that precious moment in time, Latics looked to be mounting a challenge for automatic promotion from the National League. The dream faded a touch, and the side was substantially changed before the play-off campaign in May and June, but the hope instilled in Latics fans remained.

For that reason and others, Latics will be relishing this trip. When Latics won in the FA Cup, they were the National League underdogs playing against the League Two favourites. Fortunes turn. Tranmere are now very much the underdogs, having lost 11 of their last 12 games. They sacked their manager this week, which is never a good sign for Latics. Their fans are unhappy (raging) with the ownership. The excellent Daniel Storey has written in The iPaper about Tranmere “circling the drain” that leads to the National League cesspit. Latics fans will relish the chance to give Rovers a wee push.

Latics are on a rare run of form, culminating in their very impressive scoreless draw away to league leaders Bromley. When they lost three games on the spin at the end of January and the start of February, there was a certain amount of concern that the side were clocking off – coasting because of the lack of jeopardy in their league campaign.

It has to be said that Micky Mellon has played yet another blinder. He’s found a way to motivate his players, given them a purpose where other, less inspirational figures, would not, and as a result they are playing some of their best football of the season. They’re in the mood to take advantage of their no-lose league status, converting it into a powerful no-fear approach. Bromley were second best on Tuesday. Latics hustled them out of their usual playing style and tactics, which you can do only if all 11 players on the field are totally committed. If Latics play like that tomorrow, that away end will bounce again.