Tranmere Rovers vs Oldham Athletic Prediction

With the latest edition of the English FA Cup commencing this weekend, many sides are set to battle it out with each other in order to advance to the second round.

One of these fixtures sees League Two side Tranmere Rovers play host to Oldham Athletic, who themselves lie fifth in the National League. While not in the English Football League Pyramid, the prize money for winning this first round tie will be plenty of motivation for Tranmere to cause a shock.

While neither side has ever won the competition, the two teams are some of the oldest and most historic in England, and will look to write another storied chapter in their long histories this year.

As the commencement of the 2024/25 FA Cup edges nearer, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Tranmere Rovers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 7 matches in all competitions.
• However, they have also won the last three meetings with Oldham Athletic, and have lost just one of the last six.
• Oldham Athletic have scored 12 goals in their last five games, compared to Tranmere’s five goals.
• Oldham striker Mike Fondop-Talum has either scored or assisted in each of his last 11 appearances.

Tranmere Rovers Preview

Tranmere Rovers Predicted Lineup (5-3-2): Luke McGee (GK); Connor Wood, Jordan Turnbull, Tom Davies, Cameron Norman; Sam Finley, Lee O’Connor; Omari Patrick, Kieron Morris, Sam Taylor; Luke Norris.

There is only one way to describe Tranmere right now: struggling. Currently 19th in League Two, they have won just one in their last four, and two in their last 10.

While their defense is effective, having conceded the second fewest of any team in the bottom half in the league, their attack is misfiring, and they have scored a grand total of 8 league goals, the lowest tally in the division.

This leaves them in a vulnerable position, and the gap in quality between the bottom echelons of League Two and the top of the National League is far from considerable. Oldham will be smelling blood, and Tranmere will need to field their strongest lineup to stand a good chance.

Oldham Athletic Preview

Oldham Athletic Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Matthew Hudson (GK); Emmanuel Monthe, Charlie Raglan, Reagan Ogle; Mark Kitching, Jesurun Uchegbulam, Kai Payne, Jake Caprice; Kane Drummond, Mike Fondop-Talum, Josh Kay.

In contrast to Tranmere, Oldham are having a good campaign so far. Currently in the National League play-off spots, they have made huge leaps since lying in 11th after a draw to Southend in early September.

They have been helped massively by the form of striker Mike Fondop-Talum, who has scored 8 and assisted four in his last eight games, a sequence of games that has seen them shoot up the table.

Fondop-Talum will likely start against Tranmere, and they will need to have done their homework on him. A threat in the air and with the ball at his feet, and can create a moment of magic that could see the League Two side toppled.

Tranmere Rovers vs Oldham Athletic Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 30/04/2022: Tranmere 2-0 Oldham.
• 07/12/2021: Oldham 0-1 Tranmere.
• 09/11/2021: Tranmere 3-2 Oldham.
• 10/08/2021: Oldham p2-2 Tranmere.
• 20/02/2021: Tranmere 2-2 Oldham.

Historic Head to Head - Tranmere: 9. Drawn: 5. Oldham: 6.

Tranmere Rovers vs Oldham Athletic Betting Tip

Given Tranmere’s recent struggles, Oldham will really fancy themselves here. When comparing their run of form, there is only one winner, and as long as Mike Fondop-Talum is on the pitch, Olham can really make a case for an upset here.

We reckon the two sides will draw in normal time, and given the fact that as of this year replays have been scrapped, we also think Oldham take a shock win in extra time. They look the stronger side, and should have few problems in dispatching Tranmere’s leaky defense.

Tranmere Rovers vs Oldham Athletic Final Prediction

Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Oldham Athletic AET (Draw in normal time)

In a cagey match, Tranmere and Oldham will be closely matched, I reckon both will grab a second half goal once the two sides have settled in.

Finishing 1-1 at full time, Oldham will take a shock late lead, and hold onto it under late pressure from their opponents. While it will technically go down as an upset, with a lower league side beating a more illustrious opponent, the reality will be that the two teams are very closely matched.