Tranmere Rovers v Crewe Alex 24/25 Preview - Danger, Danger!

The final away game of the season is here and it's a local(ish) one. But isn't it a massive shame that what could have been a bumper, sold out away end of 2,000 Crewe fans ready to either celebrate clinching a play-off spot or roaring their team on to battle for one will likely be half that, if they're lucky. And the atmosphere will probably resemble a morgue as the Alex's season drags to a slow, pitiful end. The Alex are looking to not only end their season strongly, if that's even possible, but end a 25 year winless streak at this ground. Spoiler, I don't think either thing happens. Here is my final away preview of the 24-25 season:

In Danger

Tranmere have endured a horrendous season. Nigel Adkins blew up in spectacular fashion and Andy Crosby has come in and managed to right the ship since late February. They are 4-5-2 in his 11 games in charge thus far. However, they are still in danger of relegation. Just 4 points separates them and Carlisle in 23rd. They come into this game knowing that they simply need to match or better Carlisle's result at Cheltenham and they'll secure survival. However, they'll have no way of knowing exactly what is going on at Whaddon Road, so they'll want to win this one and stay up on their own terms.

End Strong

The Alex's away record will have officially regressed from last season, regardless of what they do in this game. They finished last season 8-9-6, picking up 33 points in the process. This season, they are currently 6-11-5, which is only 29 points. However, this does show how good their away record has been over these last 2 seasons. They have proven very hard to beat when heading on their travels, something which never used to be the case under most of their previous managers. It would be nice to give the loyal travelling supporters something notable to cheer about in their final away game, especially after failing to score in any of their last 3 trips.

End the Run

Maybe some people don't read into clubs records at certain stadiums. Which I do get. But I don't think it's a coincidence that the Alex have failed to win at Prenton Park in the league since 2000. 25 years and a 0-2-7 record in the league is not great. Nor is the fact that they haven't scored in their last 4 visits. This is a ground they've struggled at over the years and I hope that those people who don't see any correlation are proven right by the Alex putting on a show and running in a few goals in this one.

Score?

All the above being said, it's hard to see where a goal is coming from at the moment. Looking back, most of the Alex's goals over the last month or so have been set piece ones. With Lankester, Tracey, Bogle and Long all not currently in the starting XI, there is a real lack of goal threat from them right now. If they can find the net even once in this game, it would be nice. And a fairly big surprise.

Baby Steps

I know I'm going to get slaughtered for this, but are there very, very small signs that they might be moving back towards a style of play we want to see from them? 11 v 11 against Colchester, they dominated possession and produced far more passes. Against MK, they did the same, managing 62% possession and heavily out passing them. They also, across 3 halves of football where it was 11 v 11, allowed just 1 shot on target, that being Marschall's gift against MK.

Yes, there are clearly big issues in terms of fluidity and attacking production, but if they can play like they have done in their last 2, then maybe we might see some more shoots of recovery. And yes, I know I'm doing some heavy straw clutching at this point.

Ref Watch

Tom Parsons

Why does that name ring a bell? For some reason I had it in my head that he's had a stinker of a game in which the Alex were playing, but I can't remember any. Maybe I'm getting him mixed up with someone else. I thing does stand out. His perfect record in charge of Crewe Alex games. God I hope that continues in this one.

2024/25 Record: 33 games(13 League One, 13 League Two, 3 National League, 1 FA Cup, 3 EFL Trophy), 157 yellows, 5 reds

Last Game: Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Wigan Athletic, EFL League One, 18th April 2025, 3 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 4-0-0, 13 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Tranmere Rovers

Brad Walker, Kieron Morris, Luke Norris and Josh Davison have all been absent recently, although how much of a loss some of them are, I don't know.

Crewe Alex

Lankester and Tracey remain out obviously, but Holicek could be a 3rd absentee after he didn't make the squad last week. All eyes remain on Bogle and Cooney to see if they earn recalls.

Team

Honestly, I'm not bothered who starts and who doesn't. Bell will go strong, as he owes it to Carlisle to name a competitive team. I doubt we'll see many changes from Monday's game. Again, drop Williams. Again, won't happen. But drop him, put Conway to LB and start Long on the LW, his iffy fitness be damned. And let's start Thibaut upfront, he might lack the physical presence of Hemmings, but he looked lively when he came on against MK.

On the bench will be a fun one, as once again I suspect we'll see several big names miss out.

Score Prediction

Can I not just skip this and move on? No? Ok, fine. I'll say the Alex's woeful record at Prenton Park will extend for another season as they'll come up short against a motivated Tranmere team.

Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Crewe Alexandra