Tranmere v Oldham preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Tranmere Rovers and Oldham Athletic at Prenton Park.

Tranmere will be without midfielder Joss Labadie.

Labadie picked up his fifth booking of the season in Wednesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Accrington and he will now serve a one-match ban.

Lucas Akins suffered a knock to his knee-cap and was withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining at the Crown Ground, but boss Les Parry is hoping the striker will recover in time to feature on Saturday.

Martin Devaney, Andy Robinson (both hamstring) and Mark McChrystal (foot) are all still sidelined, though they are nearing a return to action.

Parry knows his side will have a tough encounter on Saturday, and said: "I watched them against MK Dons and they played really well so we know we've got a diffcult game."

Oldham will be missing Reuben Reid.

The 23-year-old striker limped out of Monday's 2-1 win over MK Dons with a thigh injury and is awaiting a scan to learn the full extent of the problem, though initial fears are that he will be out for two to six weeks.

Filipe Morais came off the bench to replace Reid against the Dons and should start at Prenton Park.

Defender Paul Black could be back in contention for a return to the squad after coming through a midweek reserve fixture following his recovery from a groin injury that has kept him sidelined for a month.

Dean Furman, who returned from a knee injury as a substitute on Monday, also played for the second string and is hoping to earn a start.

Jean Yves Mvoto (ankle) is fully fit and will also be eyeing a shirt in Paul Dickov's starting XI.