Blackpool Take On Baggies

After the dismal defeat away at Ipswich Town last weekend, Blackpool welcome West Bromwich Albion to Bloomfield Road.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side currently sit in 2nd place, eight points ahead of the Seasiders having played 21 games.

Despite Ian Holloway’s team having a number of injuries – which could see Al Bangura and Ishmel Demontagnac start in midfield – they’ll fancy themselves on home turf, especially given the Albion’s recent form.

They are without a win in three, picking up two draws. However, in both those draws – against Derby and QPR – they had to rely on equalisers deep into stoppage time.

With many predicting a comfortable away win, it could be one of those fixtures which surprises you… given the weather holds off.

The match is featured on the BBC’s Football League Show on Saturday night.

Vital Quotes:

Andy Morrell on Daniel Nardiello, who played with him whilst on loan at Bury recently: ‘He has done great during his time here and I’ve been impressed with him,’

‘When he arrived he had just had a couple of months out and needed games. He certainly got that because he played three games in 10 days for us.’

West Brom striker Simon Cox is perhaps more bothered about the Christmas piss up: ‘I just hope we can get a good result on Saturday so we can actually go and enjoy it. We will go up there and take positives from Monday’s game against QPR.

‘It’s going to be a tough game for us. It could have been a summer’s day but sadly it’s going to be cold, windy and maybe wet where we know we will have grind out a result. It will ask questions of our character so it’ll be a good test for us.’

Blackpool Team News:

The Seasiders are really stuck with selection. Ben Burgess, David Vaughan, Charlie Adam and presumably Billy Clarke and Alex Baptiste are all missing and would be in the starting 11.

Rob Edwards continues to struggle with fitness and it’s unknown where Marcel Seip is at with regards to fitness.

Daniel Nardiello might start given Jason Euell’s poor form up front and Barry Bannan along with Demontagnac and Bangura might expect to start too.

Player to watch: Ian Evatt

With a threadbare squad, the Seasiders’ defence will have to be on top form.

Ian Evatt has been a stand out performer for ‘Pool ever since his move from QPR but coming up against an in form Simon Cox could be his toughest test yet.

West Bromwich Albion Team News:

After a poor run of results by the Baggies standards, Roberto Di Matteo could make several changes.

On time ‘Pool target Graham Dorrans will start in midfield and Roman Bednar could be pushing for a recall up front with Luke Moore not scoring since October.

Player to watch: Simon Cox

The 22-year-old was signed from Swindon Town in the summer for £1.5m and after intitally finding it difficult to break into the team has now found his feet at this level.

Six goals in seven games has shown he can cut it and his pace will be something Ollie will be worried about.