Pool V Southend

It`s back to the league cup and back to Bloomfield Road for once golden boy Peter Clarke.

Blackpool Team News:

It looks like Ian Evatt is going to miss the match, he limped out of the Colchester match after making a clearance in the box. He`s having a scan on what appeared to be an ankle injury. Kaspers Gorkss replaced Evo and should retain his place in the starting eleven.

Adrian Forbes needs surgery on a knee, the last cup game against Derby allowed Simon Grayson to give a run out to some fringe players, Andy Welsh, Ian March, John Hills, Mike Flynn etc will all be looking to start. Evans may also start in goal for Chubs.

Player to watch: Andy Welsh

He`s made a couple of sub appearances and appears to be able to get a cross in, with Fletch`s place in the side not secure Welsh will be looking to put in a performance which will secure a place for a league game.

Southend United Team News:

Southend are without some players due to being cup tied, Leon Clarke and Eric Odhiambo. The strikers are likley to be replaced by Charlie MacDonald and Matt Harrold. It`s a blow for the shrimps after Clarke hit three goals since the loan move from Sheff Wed.

Player to watch: Peter Clarke

Clarke was a big favorite at Bloomfeild Road and his move to Southend with a view to play in a higher division back fired. While Pool celebrated at Wembley Clarke`s Southend were relegated in their first season in the Championship and star player Eastwood left for Wolves. Basically to quote from Scarface Clarkey had ‘the world and everything in it` and he moved to Southend, whoops!

Match Facts & Stats

The last league meetings Southend ran out 2-1 winners in both games. Eastwood grabbing goals in both games, thankfully he`s moved on. Pool last beat the shrimps in 2004 in the LDV vans Coid and Murphy with the goals in a 2-0 home win.

Match Prediction:

Blackpool 3 – 1 Southend

Next Fixtures:

Football League Championship Watford vs A 29-09-2007