League Two's bottom side, Morecambe, will host Tranmere Rovers, a team aiming to put more distance between themselves and the relegation zone, at Globe Arena on New Year's Day.
The hosts have amassed 17 points from 23 matches, leaving them two points adrift of safety, while the visitors hold 22 points from 21 matches, sitting three points clear of the drop zone.
Match preview
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Morecambe edged Carlisle 1-0 in a crucial relegation battle at Brunton Park on Boxing Day, ending a four-match winless streak in the league, but they were unable to build on that momentum, falling to a 1-0 defeat away to Salford City on Sunday.
Derek Adams, now in his third spell as manager of the Shrimps since taking charge in June, faces a monumental task to steer his side clear of relegation to the National League, but central to this effort will be improving their dismal form at Globe Arena.
The Lancashire outfit are still searching for their first home win of the campaign despite hosting 10 league matches, with all four of their victories so far coming on the road, while their 14 league defeats are evenly split between home and away fixtures.
Adding to their woes, Morecambe are averaging more goals scored in away matches than at home, while they have conceded 21 goals in 10 home games – three more than they have shipped on the road in 13 outings. The Shrimps also hold the unenviable distinction of having conceded more goals (39) than any other team in the league this season.
This defensive frailty is likely to contribute to another defeat on Wednesday. However, the hosts can draw some encouragement from their ongoing five-match unbeaten run against the visitors, which includes three wins and two draws.
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Tranmere, meanwhile, returned to action last Sunday following the postponement of their Boxing Day clash with Accrington Stanley due to adverse weather conditions, and managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Barrow in their most recent outing.
Nigel Adkins's side remain in 19th place after the draw, but with one or two games in hand over most teams around them, they could have a potential advantage if they can capitalise in those fixtures.
After ending a four-match winless streak with a 2-1 victory over Harrogate at Prenton Park on December 14, Tranmere are now without a win in two games, having lost to Doncaster before drawing with Barrow.
The Rovers will hope to avoid a repeat of their earlier slump, and while they might be optimistic about securing a positive result against the league's bottom side, their joint-worst away record in the division could hinder their efforts to claim all three points.
Team News
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Morecambe will remain without 25-year-old forward Charlie Brown, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury.
Marcus Dackers, unavailable against his parent club Salford City in the previous match, is expected to return to the starting line-up and lead the attack.
Ben Tollitt, the team's top scorer with six goals and two assists this season, is likely to feature on the right flank, and the dynamic forward will be the key player to watch for the hosts as they aim to find the back of the net.
Tranmere, meanwhile, will welcome back defender Tom Davies, who was suspended for the draw against Barrow after being sent off in the match against Doncaster.
However, the visitors may still be without Brad Walker, Regan Hendry, Saidou Khan and Luke Norris, all of whom are sidelined due to injury concerns.
In addition, reports suggest that forward Sam Taylor has agreed to a loan move to National League side Oldham Athletic, which would rule him out of contention for this clash.
Morecambe possible starting lineup:
Burgoyne; Hendrie, Williams, Stott, Tutonda; White, Songo'o; Tollitt, Jones, Edwards; Dackers
Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; O'Connor, Drysdale, Turnbull, Bradshaw; Finley, Morris; Saunders, Solomon, Patrick; Jennings
We say: Morecambe 1-1 Tranmere Rovers
This is a contest between the league's poorest home side and the worst away team in the division. However, Tranmere have demonstrated an ability to grind out results on the road, which is why we are predicting they will secure at least a point in this encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
