It will be only the second League Cup match ever played at the Kingston Communications Stadium, the first being the 2-2 draw with Wrexham in 2004 that City lost on penalties.
Last season, an understrength City side lose 2-1 at Blackpool in the first round, while Tranmere lost by the same scoreline at Scunthorpe. They finished the season 18th in League One, and are now managed by Ronnie Moore after former Tigers manager Brian Little parted company with the club.
Tranmere's only previous visit to the KC Stadium, in December 2004, finished in a 6-1 defeat after their goalkeeper and their substitute keeper both had to go off with first half injuries. Ex-Tiger Theodore Whitmore, a midfielder, volunteered to go in goal to disastrous concequences. He's no longer at the club, but former City players Delroy Facey and Ian Goodison are.
In 33 previous meetings between the two sides, none have been in the League Cup. Fan site, TRFC Mad, describe the tie as a "big clash."