TRANMERE Rovers will have vital points in mind when they face fellow League One strugglers Carlisle United at Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon.

John McMahon's squad hover one place above the relegation zone with 39 points from 38 games.

At Prenton Park this season Rovers have won five, drawn six and lost eight.

They were beaten 2-1 by Swindon Town at Prenton Park on Tuesday night.

Carlisle come to Birkenhead in 21st place and below Tranmere only on goals scored.

The Cumbrians have won three, drawn four and lost eleven on the road this season.

 

Tomorrow is the first of Rovers' final seven games of the season. During a press conference at the club earlier this week, assistant manager McMahon said: "Every game is a big game now. In fact, every game is like the FA Cup to us."

Matthew Pennington goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Carlisle United after returning on loan from Everton until the end of the season.

The defender made nine appearances in his first spell at the Club at the start of the year, scoring the winning goal against Crewe Alexandra.

James Wallace is unlikely to feature because of a groin injury while Jason Koumas is struggling with a toe problem.

Steve Jennings has been carrying a knee injury in recent weeks and Stephen Arthurworrey missed the midweek game against Swindon Town because of a back injury.

Graham Kavanagh recruited striker Gary Madine and midfielder Lucas Dawson ahead of Thursday’s loan deadline.

However, the Carlisle boss is without former Tranmere striker David Amoo through injury and Lee Miller is a doubt with a groin problem.