Report by STEVE HUNTER

JOE Royle brings his promotion-chasing Manchester City - and a travelling 'army' of 6,000 fans - to Prenton Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) for what is undoubtedly one of Tranmere Rovers' choice fixtures of the season.

City, having sunk as far as Division Two in recent years, are surging towards what many believe is their rightful place in football - the top flight. On paper, the clash between the Nationwide League Division One's joint leaders and the basement club appears clear cut, but in reality it promises to be a fascinating encounter.

Rovers' manager John Aldridge is adamant that relegation is not on the cards for the Wirral club. "We won't go down this season . . . . no chance!" was his defiant message following his side's 2-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday - a set-back which saw Rovers return to the bottom of the table, one point adrift of the immediate pack.

The manager believes Tranmere have a double chance to improve their placing as they go into a two games in four days schedule. Next Tuesday (October 19), they entertain Grimsby Town (kick-off 7.45pm).

Rovers, who were hoping for victory last night in the Worthington Cup against Oxford United at Prenton Park, couldn't face a tougher test than Manchester City.

Joe Royle's joint leaders, who returned to Division One after victory in last season's play-offs, have made a storming start to the new campaign. Former Liverpool winger, Republic of Ireland international Mark Kennedy, has been in inspirational form and will pose an undoubted threat which Rovers must stifle if points are to be gained.

The attractive fixture - it's almost a 'derby' game - has resulted in a high demand for tickets and Tranmere are advising all supporters to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

City's large following has been allocated the entire Bebington Kop Stand. Ticket prices are: Main Stand £14 adults, £8 OAPs; Paddock/Cowshed/Borough Road Stand £13 adults, £3 juniors and OAPs and £6 for students in all areas. The ticket office is open between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Ahead of the big game with City, Mr Aldridge has thrown down the gauntlet to his strikers to earn the right to partner new signing Wayne Allison.

Scott Taylor has yet to register a League goal, even though he has registered four in the Worthington Cup, Andy Parkinson has yet to score, Lee Jones has only just returned from injury and Gary Jones isn't too far off a return.

Republic of Ireland international David Kelly has only scored one League goal, but has netted five in the Worthington Cup. However, Kelly has missed the last two games injured.

"The confidence is OK and I've told our strikers to earn the right to partner Wayne," said Mr Aldridge. "If one doesn't do it, we've got others who can. I thought we were the better team at QPR and thought it was just a matter of time before the winner came, but poor defending cost us."

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