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Overview of Tottenham FA Cup opponents Tranmere

By Zaph Hutson

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Tranmere Rovers fans let off a flare after James Norwood had scored their teams goal during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Tranmere Rovers at PTS Academy Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Northampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Tranmere Rovers fans let off a flare after James Norwood had scored their teams goal during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Tranmere Rovers at PTS Academy Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Northampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Hotspur travel to Prenton Park to take on Tranmere Rovers in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. This is the first time the clubs have met since 2002.

Tranmere Rovers

To jog your memory, Tranmere Rovers are a team from Birkenhead, Merseyside. Last season they were in the National League but were promoted to League 2 after winning the trophy. They are currently doing a decent job in their league, sitting in the top-half at 9th place.

When it comes to attacking weapons, it seems like Tranmere only have one- James Norwood. The 28 year old Englishman is tied at first in the league when it comes to goals scored. Norwood’s goal tally sits at an impressive 16. His next-closest teammates are Paul Mullin with 5 and Connor Jennings with 4. Jennings also helps in supplying teammates with the final pass and has contributed 6 assists so far this season.

In the past 2 matchweeks, Tranmere has been struggling to find the back of the net. Their last outing against Yeovil Town yielded 0 goals and they only scored once against Macclesfield Town.

Recently, their defense seems to be stepping up. Tranmere has only allowed 4 goals in their last 5 matches. Goalkeeper Scott Davies is a big reason for this run of form.

History Between Clubs

The last two matches Spurs and Tranmere Rovers played against each other were in the 2001/02 season. Both matches ended in a 4-0 Tottenham victory. We could very well see something like this on Friday night. Also, Tottenham are undefeated in the last 8 meetings between the sides.

Tottenham’s Strategy

Spurs want to come away with the win and progress through the FA Cup. One thing they need to make sure of is keeping Tranmere’s talisman Norwood quiet.

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: James Norwood of Tranmere battles for possession with Dean Winnard of Southport during the FA Cup Second Round Replay match between Southport and Tranmere Rovers at Haig Avenue on December 17, 2018 in Southport, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 17: James Norwood of Tranmere battles for possession with Dean Winnard of Southport during the FA Cup Second Round Replay match between Southport and Tranmere Rovers at Haig Avenue on December 17, 2018 in Southport, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

A double-team should not be necessary and could make it easier for other Rovers to produce offensively. Pochettino should man-mark Norwood with an energetic defensive midfielder. If that is done, the center backs will not need to press up higher on the pitch and will be able to keep a strong line.

Incidentally, this is more or less how Tranmere play. They leave some space between the midfielders and defense. This can be utilized by Tottenham with Harry Kane’s hold up play. He can keep it in the area at the top of Tranmere’s box and lay it off to Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli who can keep shooting from several meters out. That is, if those players will be in the lineup.

Tranmere and Tottenham play at 19:45 GMT on Friday night.

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