Last Updated: Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:25
Ronnie Moore must contend with a host of injury problems as leaders Tranmere prepare to host Portsmouth.
Captain James Wallace joined the walking wounded during last weekend's FA Cup second-round triumph over Chesterfield when he suffered medial ligament damage.
Max Power is pushing for a start in midfield in his place, while on-loan Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Liam Palmer's return further eases the burden in that area.
On-loan Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson is a doubt due to a muscular strain, meaning Ash Taylor could come in to partner veteran Ian Goodison at centre-back.
Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (broken metatarsal) and Abdulai Bell-Baggie (knee) remain on the sidelines, but top scorer Jake Cassidy is eligible once more after parent club Wolves ruled him out of cup action last week.
A run of two points from a possible nine mean Rovers only retain the top spot they have held since the opening weeks of the season by virtue of goal difference from Doncaster.
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
