Preview: Blackpool (and God?) v Hull

On Sky

I don’t really believe in divine intervention, and the news that Robbie Fowler (nicknamed ‘God’ by Liverpool fans) is training with Blackpool isn’t going to change my mind on the matter.

According to the press, the veteran striker is on the verge of signing for the Seasiders on a deal until the end of the season as Ian Holloway looks to strengthen his attacking options.

Fowler was a great player (emphasis on the ‘was’!), but hasn’t done anything for years… indeed, it says a lot about how far we’ve come as a club in recent times that the news that the former England international is training with us was almost met by a collective sigh and a shake of the head.

The Fowler issue aside, ‘Pool face Hull in front of the Sky cameras tomorrow night in what is yet another promotion six pointer with both sides scrapping it out for a place in the playoffs.

Ollie’s side have found it hard to break down teams at Bloomfield Road this season, and tomorrow night promises to be another tough test against a Hull side whose promotion charge has been built on a resolute backline.

Last weekend’s comeback against Bristol City has restored confidence in the ranks after the West Ham massacre, but if ‘Pool are still to be in promotion contention come the end of the month then they need string another good run together as the seasons comes to its climax.

Vital Quotes:

Speaking about Fowler in his pre-match presser, Ollie said:

‘It’s brilliant to have someone like Robbie at the club.

‘He looked terrific in training and I don’t think he’s that far away from being fully fit.’

Blackpool Team News:

Roman Bednar is back in contention after recovering from the dead leg he received against Everton, whilst Craig Cathcart and Matt Phillips could face late fitness tests.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher is known to have returned to training, but tomorrow night may come too soon for him.

Chris Basham is pushing for a recall.

Player to watch: Brett Ormerod

Made the difference with his superb cameo against Bristol City; can ‘Super Brett’ delight the Bloomers faithful once more.

Hull Team News:

Seyi Olofinjana could start for the first time in two months, otherwise The Tigers are largely expected to be unchanged.

Player to watch: Robert Koren

A one time ‘Pool target who scores goals from anywhere. Our midfield will have to close him down relentlessly.

Match Facts & Stats

This is the 100th competitive meeting. Blackpool have won 32 of the previous 99, Hull 40, with 27 drawn.

Blackpool are unbeaten in four league and cup games against the Tigers (W3, D1), and are attempting a first double over them since the 2000/01 fourth tier campaign.

Hull, who have scored 137 goals and conceded 136 against Blackpool, have won only two of their last 15 league visits to Bloomfield Road over 36 years.

Fourth placed Blackpool, six points outside the top two, is the only club to have scored in all nine of their Championship games in 2012.

Ian Holloway’s side have avoided defeat in eight of nine league games, winning six of them.

The Seasiders find themselves second in the Championship’s ‘Current Form’ table with 13 points out of 18, having garnered their highest total of league points after the first 33 games for 16 years.

Ninth placed Hull, two points outside the play-offs, are hoping to extend their six-match unbeaten league run.

The Tigers are vying for a seventh successive clean sheet, which would break a 104-year-old club record. They have completed 584 minutes (nine hours 44 minutes) of Championship football without conceding since Theo Robinson scored for Derby in the 1-0 win over Hull on 2 January.