After a successful week in the FA Cup and Papa John's Trophy, Sutton return to Sky Bet League Two action this week with a trip to Tranmere Rovers.
It won't be the first time U's have visited Prenton Park, as the clubs were opponents in the National League for two seasons following Sutton's promotion in 2016. The first visit in April 2017 ended in a 3-2 defeat, a last minute goal beating U's who had fought back from 2-0 down with Jack Jebb and Pape Gueye both recording their only senior goals in U's colours. Four months later Sutton brought all three points back south thanks to a Craig Dundas goal, although Tranmere would end that season being promoted through the play-offs. Manager Micky Mellon was in charge of Tranmere for both those games, and returned for a second spell with the club at the end of last season after a season managing Dundee United.
Successive defeats against Northampton and Mansfield have slowed what was a good start to the season for Tranmere, who were unbeaten in their previous six games, and they go in to this weekend's game in 11th place, two places and one point behind Sutton. They have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just ten goals, but no team has scored fewer in League Two this season either. Sutton manager Matt Gray is expecting a tough game, saying. ''Tranmere are a good side with an experienced manager, and we know they've got a very good defensive record, so we know it's going to be difficult but we're going there confident and in good spirits after the last week.''
U's will be missing Omar Bugiel, away on international duty with Lebanon, and long term injury absentee Harry Beautyman, but Craig Eastmond, Louis John and Jon Barden could all return to the squad for Saturday's game.
Referee will be Will Finnie, the Bedfordshire official in his third EFL season and taking charge of a Sutton game for the first time.
Any Sutton supporters who have not yet bought tickets for the game can do so at Prenton Park on the day. Prices are: Adult (age 23-64) £22; Senior(age 65+) £17; Young Person(age 18-22) £15; Under 18 £9; Under 12 £5. Disabled supporters pay £15 with a personal assistant admitted free. Accommodation is all seated and in the Cowshed Stand at the northern end of the ground. It is expected we will have in excess of 150 supporters in the ground on Saturday.
Travel information was published on the website earlier this week and can be found on this link.
If you're not travelling, the game is being live streamed as this is an international weekend, and passes, price £10, can be bought here. There is also football at the VBS on Saturday morning, with the Academy side facing league leaders AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Youth Alliance South East division, kick off 11am. Admission is free.