JOHN Aldridge says he will have divided loyalties when Oxford United and Tranmere Rovers meet this afternoon, but the former striker – a legend at both clubs – is desperate to see them climb away from trouble.

The clash at the Kassam Stadium is a contest of the bottom two in the Football League, with Tranmere Rovers the only side below the U's in Sky Bet League Two.

Stakes are high for both teams, who know defeat would leave them rock bottom with the potential of a gap opening up above.

It is a situation which saddens Aldridge, who is one of the all-time greats at both clubs.

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The 56-year-old, who bagged 90 goals in 141 games for the U’s before spending a decade as a player and manager at Tranmere, said: “It’s not good, obviously.

“The only thing is there’s plenty of games to go to get it right.

“I thought Oxford were knocking on the door to get promotion (in recent seasons), but they’ve fallen back, which isn’t good.

“They just need to solidify and make sure they don’t have the experience of coming out of the league again.

“It’s hard to get back in, and Tranmere have never been in that situation.”

As for the game itself, the ex-Republic of Ireland international diplomatically declined to give a prediction.

“I’ll sit on the fence, I wouldn’t like to hurt anyone’s feelings,” he said.

“The main thing for me is I want both teams to get up the league.

“It would make you feel better when you’ve got something close to heart.

“I was at Tranmere for ten years, which is a long time.

“I had some great times at Oxford as well, so I’ve got split loyalties.”

He added: “I’ve come across Michael (Appleton) a couple of times. He’s a really nice lad and I just wish him all the best.”

There are similarities between the sides, who have struggled to get results while attempting to play an expansive brand of football.

Aldridge, who was in charge of Tranmere for five years from 1996, backs the intent, but thinks a degree of flexibility is required at times.

He said: “I applaud it. I watch the leagues and some of the better teams play in an old-fashioned way with long balls into the corners, pick up the second balls, get the crosses in.

“My personal view is play it when you can, but you have to mix it up a little bit.

“It’s very difficult to get the right players to get you out by playing short football in those leagues.”

Meanwhile, Tyrone Barnett is expected to start for Oxford after sitting out the 5-1 drubbing at Cambridge United due to suspension.

Skipper Jake Wright was back in training this week after a knee problem and could be in the frame, along with new signing Tareiq Holmes-Dennis.

Tranmere’s side will be picked by player/assistant manager Matt Gill and coach Alex Russell, with new boss Micky Adams observing from the stands.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Newey, Collins, Rose, Hylton, Howard, O'Dowda, Barnett, Morris, Jakubiak, Potter, Brown, Holmes-Dennis, Whing, Meades, Ruffels, Raynes, Hunt, G Long, Crocombe.

Tranmere Rovers: from Fon Williams, Holmes, Ihiekwe, Holness, Donacien, Power, Koumas, Gill, Donnelly, Odejayi, Barker, Richards, Bell-Baggie, Laird, Kirby, Davies, Rowe, Brezovan.

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