Tonight, two teams with contrasting emotions following Saturday’s outcome of their respective matches meet at Prenton Park for a home match between Tranmere Rovers and Crawley Town.

Tranmere has been largely inconsistent of late, slipping to two consecutive defeats in perplexing circumstances with Rovers losing 2-0 to Bradford City and Mansfield Town. However, this weekend Tranmere pulled off arguably the result of the weekend, defeating 2nd-placed Stevenage1-0 away from home.

Slipping deep into relegation trouble, it’s been a turbulent few months for Crawley Town.

Manager Scott Lindsey hasn’t had the desired impact he would have wanted since being appointed, with his side 23rd in League Two, albeit with four games in hand. This Saturday showed change needs to happen, as the Red Devil’s fell to a devastating 5-2 defeat against Carlisle United, so tonight's game presents Lindsey with a chance to re-galvanise his side ahead of another game day.

Here is some insight into the importance of the fixture and one that could prove to be pivotal for both sides in their respective league aims.

Top scorers

Kane Hemmings (Tranmere Rovers)

Tranmere's leading scorer - eight games throughout the season for ‘Rovers’.

After his arrival at Prenton Park from Burton Albion in January 2022, he was slow off the mark but finally hit form, notching up 7 strikes in the run-in to the back-end of last season. He's continued his goal-scoring prowess this season, netting 8 times and has been ever-present for Micky Mellon up-front.

Hemmings' recent form in-front of goal has been partially clinical, netting 4 in Tranmere's last 8 encounters, with his most recent strike a penalty in a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Stockport County – the spot-kick brought the game level at 1-1.

The forward needs to find a consistent run of form in front of goal.

Dom Telford: Crawley Town

A Football League veteran, Telford has always shown goal-scoring prowess at this level, and he’s proved to be Crawley’s biggest threat in front of goal this season.

On the back of 25 goals last season for Newport County, Telford joined Town in the summer of 2022 and has notched up 7 goals in 27 appearances, including a consolation in Crawley’s recent match.

He hasn’t had the desired impact he would have wanted since joining struggling Crawley, but as shown he can always prove a threat to all defences, so he’ll have to be on top of his game to net tonight and Tranmere to thwart him.

Ones-to-watch

Regan Hendry (Tranmere Rovers)

After making a stark impression on his new fans and manager, Hendry will be one to watch.

A stalwart in Forest Green Rovers’ title winning campaign in League Two he is rich in fourth tier experience and is known for helping squads be promoted. Like last season, he will hope to ignite Tranmere’s serge towards League Two.

In his opening two displays - a cameo appearance off the bench against Stockport and his first start against Doncaster - he has made fans wax lyrical about their new Scot who has brought a new breath of life, more of the same will be beneficial for Tranmere towards the tail end of the campaign.

Jack Powell (Crawley Town)

A creative player in Crawley’s midfield with goals and assisting a struggling side, Powell has been a pivotal part of the Red Devils midfield.

His cameos have been sporadic until late, then a good run and a few strikes has seen his minute’s have ascended, so a midfielder who is known for spreading the play can be one to watch for tomorrow.