After the debacle of the midweek defeat to West Ham, Ian Holloway takes his side to familiar territory this Saturday as they travel to Bristol City.
City, who had a resurgence before new year under Derek McInnes, are still heavily embroiled in a relegation scrap but will fancy their chances against a Blackpool side who haven’t been fond of playing away from Bloomfield Road this season.
That away form, however, is the least of Holloway’s worries as he tries to lift a side which succumb to a 4-1 demolition against ten men and an outfield goalkeeper only a matter of days ago.
It is stark contrast to the mood around the club just a week ago, with the belief of automatic promotion inferred during the press conference leading up to the FA Cup loss at Everton.
Pool, who haven’t won at Ashton Gate since Danny Graham scored in the 2006 victory, will take heart from the fact they have responded to negative results well so far this season.
Vital Quotes:
Holloway:
We’ve got to get our minds off what could happen and where we could be because there was one team that had its mind totally on its job and it wasn’t mine unfortunately.
I think our lads actually tried to out-football West Ham completely on a pitch that wasn’t like that.
‘We kept sticking it in to (Lomana) LuaLua’s feet and he kept giving it away. It was like, ‘hang on, what are we trying to do here’. I think we were looking at what could happen instead of making it happen, whereas their team made it happen.
‘We’ve got Bristol City away on Saturday. Tuesday was a reality check for all of us at the club because none of us expected our team to look like that, whoever I pick. I’ve got to have a good look at that.’
Bristol City Team News:
Captain Louis Carey is back in the squad after recovering from a calf problem.
Lewin Nyatanga (ankle) has joined Stephen McManus (thigh) on the sidelines through injury.
Marvin Elliot and Cole Skuse are long-term absentees.
Player to watch: Albert Adomah
Adomah was a Blackpool target before he signed from the Robins and has been in superb form all season.
Tricky with raw pace, Adomah attracted the interests of a plethora of clubs during the January transfer window.
Blackpool Team News:
The Seasiders look to be without Roman Bednar, who suffered a knock during midweek after being clattered by Rob Green. Green was sent off for his challenge but has today had a ban rescinded.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher is still out and the manager could be tempted to tinker with his back four.
Player to watch: John Fleck
Fleck has failed to impress during his loan spell from Rangers thus far, but looks like he could be afforded a run in the team to prove his worth.
Waiting in the wings is Tom Ince, who failed to make the matchday squad this week.
Match Facts & Stats
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Next Fixtures:
Friday March 2, 2012
Hull City (H)
19:45
ON SKY
