Tranmere Rovers take on Barrow at Prenton Park in their opening game of the League Two season on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts will be looking to get underway with a win under Ian Dawes, who was offered the manager's job permanently in the summer after a caretaker spell, while the visitors' aim will be to build on their solid 2022-23 campaign under Pete Wild.
Match preview
Tranmere remained in contention for a playoff place for vast swathes of the 2022-23 season, but they were never consistent enough to mount a real push for the top seven, with Micky Mellon ultimately being sacked near the end of March.
Dawes was then placed in charge of the Rovers on an interim basis, but he was also unable to get a tune out of the squad, winning two, drawing four and losing three of his nine games in charge.
Although the 39-year-old did not instigate much of an improvement in his caretaker role, chairman Mark Palios appointed him on a full-time basis in the summer, being supported by new Technical Director Nigel Adkins, and he has started to reshape his squad.
With Ethan Bristow joining Minnesota United for an undisclosed fee, Tranmere have strengthened at left-back, signing Jake Leake on loan from Hull City, while they have also made additions in attack, bringing in club-legend Connor Jennings, as well as Kristian Dennis.
The Rovers have not had the best pre-seasons, losing against Rochdale and Southport, but they have also managed to record victories over Fleetwood Town and Blackpool.
Barrow, on the other hand, have performed very well in their pre-season matches, winning five out of their seven games, most recently defeating Newcastle United Under-21s 4-1 at home.
The Bluebirds took significant strides in Wild's first season in charge last term, finishing in ninth place, having only just managed to avoid relegation in the previous season, but they did not have a very strong end to the campaign.
Wild's side collected just 10 points from their final 10 league games, meaning they ultimately finished 13 points off the top seven, and they have a lot of work to do if they are to mount a playoff push next season.
Barrow will be disappointed to have lost Josh Gordon and Patrick Brough in the summer, with both players moving to League One clubs, but they have managed to strengthen their squad in some areas, signing Port Vale striker Jamie Proctor and Aberdeen midfielder Dean Campbell.
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Team News
Tranmere have strengthened their attack considerably this summer, signing Luke Norris and Dennis, although both of them have missed the vast majority of pre-season through injury.
As such, Harvey Saunders and Jennings could get the nod in attack this weekend, with the former scoring in the Rovers' 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic at Prenton Park last weekend.
As for Barrow, Wild may have a selection dilemma in attack, as Proctor scored in the 4-1 victory against Newcastle U21s, with Emile Acquah also looking sharp, but he may be tempted to hand new-signing Courtney Duffus his first competitive start.
A couple of players are in line for appearances against their former club, with George Ray, the Bluebirds captain, poised to start at centre-back, while Sam Foley should get the nod in central midfield.
Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; O'Connor, Davies, Yarney, Leake; Hawkes, Lewis, McAlear, Morris; Saunders, Jennings
Barrow possible starting lineup:
Lillis; Warren, Tiensia, Ray, Feely; Foley, Campbell, Worrall, Bray; Proctor, Acquah
We say: Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Barrow
Based on last season's league standings, the two sides should be fairly evenly-matched, so we are expecting a draw this weekend.
Tranmere should be good enough to pick up at least a draw on home soil, especially considering Norris and Dennis could get some minutes after returning from injury, and they are more likely to take all three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
