Tranmere will hand a debut to Liam Darville against Oldham, who have brought in Jean Yves M'voto and Oumare Tounkara.
Darville set for Rovers bow; Oldham look to new duo
Tranmere boss Les Parry is set to hand a debut to new recruit Liam Darville against Oldham, who have brought in Jean Yves M'voto and Oumare Tounkara.
Rovers have signed the Leeds defender, 19, on a one-month emergency loan deal following injuries to Ash Taylor and Marlon Broomes.
Taylor and Broomes are definitely ruled out and there are also doubts over Tim Cathalina and Ian Goodison.
Parry said: "With Taylor and Broomes definitely out of the start of the season due to injury and Tim Cathalina and Ian Goodison picking up knocks we are short of options at the back, so Liam arriving is a big help."
Alan Mahon, Paul McLaren and new recruit Joss Labadie are hoping to be passed fit after knocks while Enoch Showumni and Nick Wood could feature after their summer arrivals.
Oldham news
Oldham have signed Sunderland pair M'voto and Tounkara on season-long loans ahead of the trip to Prenton Park.
Paris-born centre-back M'voto, 21, joined the Black Cats from Paris St Germain in January 2008 on a three-and-a-half year contract.
Striker Tounkara, also 21 and Paris born, arrived from French Second Division side CS Sedan at the start of last season.
Both players will feature at Prenton Park and fellow new recruits Ritchie Jones, Dean Kelly, Jason Jarrett, Warren Feeney and Rod McDonald are also in line for debuts.
Yet new boss Paul Dickov - who could feature himself after registering as a player - will be without a quartet of players through injury.
Chris Taylor, Deane Smalley, Greg Fleming and Sean Gregan are not fit for action.
