FOOTBALL LEAGUE expert Tom Love (@TomLove_18) oversees Tuesday night's EFL play-off semi-final first leg between Tranmere and Morecambe.
Tranmere vs Morecambe | Thursday 20th May 2021, 18:00 | Sky Sports
- Morecambe have scored 85% of league matches this season.
- Cole Stockton has scored in 6 of his last 8 games
Tranmere made an interesting call in sacking manager Keith Hill once their play off was secured. A dour 0-0 with lowly Colchester was indicative of how turgid it has been to watch of late and Hill spoke of trouble in the dressing room.
I actually think it could work in their favour though, the boost they need as they head into a two legged tie against Morecambe, just up the road. Tranmere will be buoyed by the return to fitness of top marksman James Vaughan. Vaughan has always scored goals at this level and you’d have to imagine he will be in the scoring should the hosts get involved.
Morecambe have been one of the stories of the season. 200/1 antepost outsiders, they’ve deservedly ended in 4th spot, just a whisker away from an automatic position. A lot of the credit has to go to manager Derek Adams who has instilled belief, but genuine quality into this side and maintains his remarkable win percentage as a manager.
There’s talk that Bradford City have Adams lined up as their new manager but I doubt that talk will faze the Scotsman, who’s shown himself to be a quality operator. His Morecambe side have been in the goals this season, none more so than Cole Stockton who’s shown great recent form with 6 in his last 8.
The Shrimps have been labelled with the direct and physical tag with more emphasis on defence, that’s a very lazy tag. Toumani Diagouraga has been probably the best on the ball midfielder in the league, whilst Carlos Mendes-Gomes has shone with his trickery, creativity, timing of runs and goal threat.
Defensively you could have a couple of questions though, they’ve conceded in all but 5 away games this season. With that in mind, the price on both teams to score appeals at even-money.
That man Stockton, a former Tranmere player no less, is 3/1 with William Hill to have over 1 shot on target. Given the quality of the midfield behind him, you’d have to think he will be getting plenty of chances and quotes that big for the top scorer and main striker look attractive. He’s averaging a hefty 2.7 shots per game and is in fine form at the moment.
I’ve seen plenty of James Vaughan being a Bradford fan and for all he is a decent striker, referees despise him. He’s known for moaning constantly, getting in scraps with defenders and generally riling up opposition. With fans in the stadium and the game being live on TV I’m sure he will talk himself into some trouble.
11/4 may not seem big for the former Everton man to go into the book but he’s in double figures for the second time this season.
Best Bets
Tranmere vs Morecambe – Both Teams To Score (1/1 SportNation)
Tranmere vs Morecambe – Cole Stockton Over 1 Shot-on-Target (3/1 William Hill)
Tranmere vs Morecambe – James Vaughan to be carded (11/4 Bet365)
