Crawley v Tranmere preview

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Crawley will be without Billy Clarke when they host Tranmere.

Striker Clarke missed the 2-0 weekend win at MK Dons, which ended Town’s six-game losing run, after breaking his hand and could struggle to play again this season.

Defender Paul Connolly, who has an FA charge hanging over him following his altercation with a Brentford fan last week, suffered a groin injury on Saturday and could also miss out.

Matt Tubbs will be pushing for a recall in attack after dropping to the bench against the Dons.

Jason Koumas will receive his usual pre-match checks ahead of Tranmere’s rearranged trip to Crawley.

The former Wales international, 34, is receiving injections for a troublesome toe problem and caretaker manager John McMahon is having to manage the midfielder’s injury on a game-to-game basis.

He lasted 78 minutes of the 2-1 win over Shrewsbury, which was Rovers’ second straight win and greatly boosted their survival hopes.

Defender Ian Goodison came off with cramp and after starting three of Tranmere’s last four fixtures, McMahon is mindful of fatigue kicking in for the 41-year-old. Midfielder James Wallace (groin) will miss out again but could play a part before the end of the season.

Crawley v Tranmere preview

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Crawley will be without Shaun Cooper for the visit of Tranmere Rovers.

The midfielder limped off after only eight minutes of Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Colchester with a groin injury and Town fear he faces a few weeks on the sidelines.

Josh Simpson, back from suspension, replaced Cooper in midweek and is in line to start against the leaders.

Defender Claude Davis is back in training after three weeks out with a hip problem and will be assessed ahead of kick-off, but winger Sergio Torres is still on the sidelines with a leg injury.

Boss Richie Barker has let midfielder Scott Neilson join Conference side Grimsby on loan for three months to get some playing time under his belt.

Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore has no new injury worries as his table-toppers prepare for a first-ever meeting with Crawley.

Rovers beat struggling Bury 3-0 on Tuesday night to move to 17 points and retain their place at the summit of League One, four ahead of Richie Barker’s Red Devils in fourth.

Nevertheless, skipper James Wallace is unconcerned by their lofty status and maintains the primary target at Prenton Park is 50 points and survival.

“It doesn’t matter too much at the moment,” the midfielder told BBC Radio Merseyside.

“We’ll enjoy it while we’re at the top. Getting the three points against Bury has turned a good start into a fantastic start for us. It’s all about getting to the 50-point mark for us and going from there.”

Ian Goodison remains on the sidelines with a knee problem, as do fellow defender Paul Black and forward Adam McGurk (both thigh).