Barnes expects a close encounter at Exeter

Under pressure Tranmere Rovers boss John Barnes believes Saturday`s encounter at St. James Park will be a close encounter.

Speaking to the Tranmere official site, Barnes said “I am sure there won`t be much between the teams”. He went onto say “They aren`t going to give us any surprises but they are well organised and it is really about what we do to stop them creating chances”. From a Grecian`s perspective perhaps new loan signing Craig Noone can cause an unwelcome surprise for the Liverpool and England legend. This is perhaps significant as Barnes says “If we defend the way we have been, allowing people to get wide and put crosses in and get into our back four then any team is going to score against us”.

As a consequence, I`m sure most Grecian fans will welcome a more attacking approach, with two up front and Noone getting plenty of balls into the box. Tranmere are pointless and goalless away from home, and City have a great opportunity to take the game to a struggling team.


My starting line-up:

Jansson


Tully Archibald-Henville Taylor Duffy



Stansfield Harley Cozic Noone



Fleetwood Corr



Subs: Marriott, Seaborne, Stewart, Edwards, Logan, Watson, Sercombe

Why?

My team is focused on getting the ball wide and getting crosses into the box, something that Tranmere have struggled with this season. Steve Tully has played with his heart on his sleeve this season and has the potential to impress with his attacking play. Tully was unlucky to be dropped last weekend, but Tisdale was looking for a better balance with his full-backs. However, Seaborne wasn`t entirely convincing at left back and Richard Duffy has the ability to do a job there.

Extending the view of using the wings, I have put Adam Stansfield on the right wing. In a central striking role he runs the channels anyway, and will run for every ball. Bertie Cozic deserves a recall, and Ryan Harley needs to play in a central role. Time is catching up with Alex Russell and Marcus Stewart, and Liam Sercombe needs a break.

I also believe City should start with a front two. Fleetwood has been anonymous in a lone striking role, and Barry Corr has the potential to strike up with the on loan Charlton striker.