Preview: Leyton Orient vs. Tranmere Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Leyton Orient will be aiming to reach the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2013-14 season when they host Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Tranmere have featured in the third round in their last three seasons, and they will be hoping to continue that run with a victory on Saturday.

Match preview

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Leyton Orient will play in the FA Cup second round for the first time since the 2015-16 season, and the hosts will be dreaming of a glamour third-round tie should they progress.

The O's squeezed by Ebbsfleet United in the first round, with Aaron Drinan scoring to guide his side to a 1-0 victory.

Kenny Jackett will be hoping that his team can avoid another exit from a cup competition after suffering elimination from the EFL Trophy in midweek.

A goalless draw with MK Dons saw the midweek encounter decided from the spot, with Orient losing 5-4 on penalties.

Before that fixture, Leyton Orient had won four consecutive home games in all competitions, and they are unbeaten in 90 minutes in their last 11 home matches - an indication of the difficult task that faces Tranmere on Saturday.

Tranmere have enjoyed an element of success in the FA Cup in recent years, and a win at the weekend would guarantee a place in the third round for the fourth successive season.

Micky Mellon's side edged out Crawley Town in the first round, with Callum McManaman's strike proving enough to clinch a 1-0 victory.

Since that result, Tranmere have only lost once in four games and they will be buoyant after coming from behind to win against Bradford City in their last outing.

Levi Sutton gave Bradford the lead, but Rovers turned the contest on its head, when Kieron Morris and Paul Glatzel struck in the second half to ensure Tranmere collected their third victory in five games.

Saturday's visitors have not played since the Bradford contest, with their last two matches postponed due to damage to Prenton Park caused by Storm Arwen, which means that Tranmere will be well-rested ahead of the second round fixture.

Team News

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Craig Clay has missed the last two games for Leyton Orient due to an ankle problem, but Jackett is hopeful the midfielder will be involved on Saturday.

After missing the last couple of matches with a hamstring injury, Paul Smyth could return to feature in the matchday squad.

Drinan and Harry Smith have scored 19 goals between them in all competitions this season, and the pair will aim to add to their respective tallies against Tranmere.

Mellon could name an unchanged side from the one that managed to beat Bradford.

Glatzel will pose a threat with the forward looking to score in three consecutive games.

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:

Vigouroux; Mitchell, Beckles, Ogie; James, Kyprianou, Clay, Archibald; Kemp, Smith, Drinan

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

Doohan; Cogley, Clarke, Knight-Percival, MacDonald; Morris, O'Connor, Hawkes, Foley; Glatzel, Maynard

We say: Leyton Orient 2-1 Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere are unbeaten in their last two trips to Brisbane Road, but given Leyton Orient's impressive home record this season, we think the O's will collect a narrow victory on Saturday to progress to the third round.