Ian Holloway’s Blackpool side will be looking to bounce back from final minute heartbreak on Saturday when Championship new boys Peterborough United come to Bloomfield Road.
The Seasiders were cruelly denied another potential cupset by Andy Griffin’s late, late strike at the Britannia on Tuesday night, and Holloway will be looking for his troops to bounce back in the same manner as they did following the Leicester defeat: with a win.
Three points on Saturday would surely see the Seasiders break into the top six, as the club look to build on their great start to the season.
Whichever way you look at it, this is a game that the ‘Pool really need to win. Should they maintain their incredible form and make a cheeky push for the playoffs, then winning games like this could make all the difference. Similarly, should their form disapate and they get dragged into a relegation scrap, then this is the sort of game that will need to be won to ensure survival.
I think we’ll be somewhere between those two extremes this season, but, for this weekend at least, we go into a game in the Championship being the clear favourites. We’re not used to that, and nor are the players, and it’ll be interesting to see how they react.
Peterborough are no pushovers though. They have a big-spending chairman, a very highly regarded young manager, a young and talented squad eager to prove themselves, and have played their way into a bit of form in recent times.
It is also worth remembering that this is Blackpool, and we never do things the easy way.
Vital Quotes:
Ian Holloway has admitted that the performances of some of his fringe players on Tuesday night has given him food for thought:
‘I made eight changes on the night because I wanted to protect the legs of some and allow the ones I brought in to show me that they want to play in my first team. I think every one of them showed me that.’
Blackpool Team News:
Despite what Holloway says, expect Rachubka, Crainey, Eardley, Bouazza, Southern and Euell to return to the starting XI.
Edwards should partner Baptiste at centre half in Evatt’s abscence.
Holloway’s biggest decision appears to be about who should start in attack: Ormerod or Burgess?
Player to watch: Ben Burgess
The striker returned to action on Tuesday night with a goal, and will be looking to get a start on Saturday and continue his decent start to the season.
Peterborough United Team News:
Darren Ferguson is likely to stick with the XI that beat Newcastle so convincingly in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.
Player to watch: Aaron McLean
The talented striker has caught many an eye with his performances for the Posh. Full of pace, and with three goals to his name already this season, McLean will provide a tricky customer for the ‘Pool back four on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
The last time these two sides met at Bloomfield Road was in April 2005, when the Posh won 1-0 courtesy of a Callum Willock strike.
The ‘Pool side that day: Lee Jones, Mark McGregor, Peter Clarke, Rob Edwards, Danny Coid, Martin Bullock, Ciaran Donnelly, Keith Southern, Jamie Burns, John Murphy, Keigan Parker.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 29th September
Bristol City v Blackpool
Ashton Gate, 7.45pm
