On Sky
Blackpool look to book a place at Wembley in the League One off final against Forest / Yeovil, but first they have to face Oldham in the high noon showdown at Bloomfield Road.
Vital Quotes:
Oldham manager John Sheriden ‘Blackpool might have scored four at our place last Sunday with all the chances they had. ‘They know they should have finished us off and that will be in their minds. ‘They are on a great run of eight wins on the spin and will be favourites thinking they are already through but one goal difference isn’t a lot. ‘We have nothing to lose.’
Blackpool Team News:
Simon Grayson has no need to change the 11 that defeated Oldham by two goals to one last Sunday. Paul Rachubka will keep his place in goal after coming through the 90 minuets without a reaction to his injury.
Pool will be cheered on by a sell out crowd, the fourth of the season at Bloomfield Road. Fans have been asked to arrive at the ground early due to extra congestion. A win for Pool would be the ninth win on the trot.
Player to watch: Keigan Parker
After a sizzling finish to the end of the season with a brace at Swansea Parker was unlucky not to get on the score sheet on in the first leg.
Parker had no less than four one-on-one with keepers Pogs and Blanyney. This time round the young Scot will be looking to hit the back of the net.
Oldham Team News:
Oldham on the other hand have injury problems, left back Simon Charlton has been under treatment all week for a calf injury. Goal keeper Alan Blayney will start in place of former Seasider Les Pogliacomi who picked up a groin strain in the second half of the play off match.
There are also doubts over Paul Warne and Neil Eardley. Warne has a knee problem, while Eardley picked up a dead leg. Luigi Glombard and Kelvin Lomax are ready to start if the pair miss out. Former Pool player Paul Edwards will replace Charlton if he doesn’t make it.
Player to watch: Chris Taylor
A product of the youth system at Oldham, the winger has managed to become a first team regular this season. With plenty of pace and skills Taylor has caused League One defenses problems this season but on Sunday was well and truly in the back pocket of Shaun Barker.
Match Facts & Stats
The honors were even at Bloomfield Road in the first league meeting of the two sides, Scotty Vernon gave the home side a first half lead, Wellens and Porter in the second half gave the away the lead but Morrell equalised on 90 to grab a point.
The match at BP was as exciting with Pool grabbing a 1-0 win. Andy Morrell`s goal in the second half proved to be the winner, Pool hanging on with Porter forcing Rachubka to pull of some great saves and then hitting the bar in the final moments.
Last Sunday Pool ran out 2-1 winners, Barker’s header gave the away side the lead, a Liddell penalty brought the two sides level and Wes Hoolahan’s late goal gave the Seasiders the win on the day.
Ref Watch:
L W Probert – Gloucestershire – Games: 37 Yellow Cards: 104 Red Cards: 5
A Haines and J Simpson
Fourth Official : P J Joslin
Match Prediction:
Pool 3 – 1 Blackpool
Next Fixtures:
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