The two teams will try again after this fixture fell foul of the frost in December, with Oldham unbeaten in nine league games it’s going to be another tough test for the Seasiders.
Vital Quotes:
‘It will be a big trip for a couple of the lads, going back to an old club always adds that little bit of spice.’ ? John Breckin Oldham assistant manager.
‘I have nothing against them, but for 90 minutes I will be trying my hardest to make sure we get all the points.’ ? Richie Wellens
Blackpool Team News:
Simon Grayson will be without Evens, Coid, Burns and Doughty all due to long-term injuries. Back for the Pool however is Rob Edwards who has recovered from a calf strain and John Murphy who will be pushing for a first team place after starting the last two games on the bench due to illness.
There could be some late additions to the squad in the form of Sheffield Wednesday pair Paul Heckingbottom and Graeme Lee, who are waiting to decide if they want to sign for the Seasiders.
Missing for the Pool
Gareth Evans ? knee,
Danny Coid ? ankle,
Jamie Burns ? ankle,
Phil Doughty ? leg.
Back in contention
John Murphy ? illness,
Rob Edwards ? calf.
Player to watch: Keigan Parker
After his sixth goal of the season against Southend United Parker has really hit form.
Oldham Team News:
It?s the first return of two former Seasiders, Richie Wellens and Paul Edwards, although Paul Edwards is a major doubt for the game after picking up an injury in the 0-0 draw with Southend United.
Oldham also go into this game with an impressive run of being unbeaten in nine league games. In those nine games they managed four wins, a run which earned manager, Ronnie Moore, League One Manager of the month for Decemeber.
The Latics operate a 3-5-2 formation, with former Pool player Paul Edwards (if fit) operating as right-wing-back, Wellens sits in the middle of the five. Another former Pool player David Eyres may take the place of Rob Edwards.
Doubts
Paul Edwards ? Injruy.
Player to watch: Richie Wellens
He made over 200 appearances for Blackpool and has been described as the most gifted footballers in recent times at Bloomfield Road. The former Manchester United midfielder scored 25 goals for the Pool including a few memorable long-range strikes, and that?s why he?s the player to watch, with the ability to turn the game and create an opportunity with a piece of skill.
Wellens, who moved to Boundary Park in the summer, was adamant that he had nothing to prove to home fans at Bloomfield Road ?I don’t have anything to prove, the fans know what I can do. I had five years at the club and enjoyed four and a half of them.?
The other unhappy half of-a-season was the period of the reign of Colin Hendry, Wellens commented this week that the appointment Hendry was a mistake, and was one of the reasons behind his departure from Bloomfield Road.
Match Facts & Stats
The Seasiders managed the double over Oldham last year, winning 2-0 at home and 2-1 in the away fixture. Peter Clark and now Oldham player Paul Edwards got the goals in the home victory.
In the away win, Oldham took the lead through a Will Haining goal but goals from John Murphy and a certain Richie Wellens ensured that all three points went home to the Seaside.
Ref Watch:
Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire) Games: 24 Yellow Cards: 96 Red Cards: 4
Assistant Referees: A I Halliday and D Richardson
Fourth Official : S P Cummins (Yorkshire)
Match Prediction:
Blackpool 2 ? 2 Oldham
Next Fixtures:
Football League One Vs Huddersfield A 14-01-2006
