[long_read]

Tranmere Rovers only came out of the National League at the end of last season but, like Lincoln City before them, they're now hoping for a play-off spot in the return season.

Thanks to the goals of James Norwood, 24 in the league this season, they're on the cusp of repeating the Imps' achievement of last season. Their 1-0 win against Crewe this weekend, courtesy of Norwood, elevated them to fifth in the table.

Seven points separates them and the final automatic promotion spot, which might seem like a mountain to climb at present, but they face Grimsby tomorrow knowing a slip up by Mansfield or MK Dons will narrow the gap even more.

 

Prenton Park will be packed to the rafters with 8,000 fans expected at the game. Three points will help secure that elusive top seven spot, only four points sit between them and ninth-placed Swindon Town.

In a tight division and with games running out, every single strike is going to be crucial.

That's why we think Micky Mellon should go with this XI tomorrow night.

[snack_break title="Scott Davies"]

Davies has been ever-present for Tranmere this season, playing in all 36 league matches.

There's no doubt he'll play tomorrow.

[snack_break title="Jake Caprice"]

Caprice is a former England C right back who offers real width and pace.

He's going to be fired-up to face Grimsby, once a local rival of his former side Lincoln.

[snack_break title="Mark Ellis"]

The former Torquay and Crewe defender has 16 starts for Rovers this season.

Helped them to a clean sheet against Crewe.

[snack_break title="Manny Monthe"]

The big Cameroonian defender emerged at QPR, but has staked a claim in the first team this season at Prenton Park.

He's started 32 games and is a big, imposing figure.

[snack_break title="Zoumana Bakayogo"]

Bakayogo started life at Paris St Germain, but has also played for Millwall and Leicester.

He's now in his second spell as a Tranmere player, having originally left in 2013.

[snack_break title="David Perkins"]

The 36-year-old is a veteran of over 650 appearances, but he's going from strength to strength at Prenton Park.

He's a clam influence and a cool head in front of the back four.

[snack_break title="Luke McCullough"]

The on-loan Doncaster Rovers player is one hoping to see League One action next season.

He's on 99 appearances for Doncaster and came through the ranks at Manchester United.

[snack_break title="Ben Pringle"]

Pringle is another on-loan player, arriving from Preston North End.

He's got significant energy and endeavour, which has been to Tranmere's advantage.

[snack_break title="Ollie Banks"]

Banks has 21 starts for Micky Mellon, but played for Swindon at this level last season.

He can strike a vicious long-range effort and has recently got back into the side.

[snack_break title="Connor Jennings"]

The 'other' striker at Prenton Park, Jennings sits behind Norwood in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

He's got five goals in 34 outings for the club this season.

[snack_break title="James Norwood"]

Without him, where would they be? He's got 24 league goals this season, just under half of Tranmere's 50.

He's likely to be coveted by other clubs in the summer after finally getting his Football League chance.

[/long_read]