New signing Jonjo Shelvey is expected to start as Blackpool aim to return to winning ways against Bristol City tomorrow.
The midfielder signed for the Seasiders on loan from Liverpool this morning and is expected to replace Angel Martinez Cervera in the side as ‘Pool boss Ian Holloway looks to give his side more ‘oomph’ in the attacking third.
Speaking of Ollie however, he’ll be restricted to a seat in the stands tomorrow due to his one match ban for misconduct picked up in the midweek draw against Coventry.
As it stands, tomorrow’s game is the first home game of the season not to sell out – perhaps a reflection of our quiet start to the campaign.
Vital Quotes:
Keith Southern, who rescued a point for the Seasiders in midweek, sympathises with banned boss Ian Holloway:
‘We do seem to get punished at Blackpool for things like that. We needed an extra man on because I had thought before the game in the tunnel that Coventry looked a big set of lads.
‘Gary Taylor-Fletcher had also gone off at that point, so we were two markers down. I was thinking, ‘Who is going to pick up some of their bigger lads?’
‘For them to then score again and go 2-1 ahead was really disappointing. We were able to snatch something from the game, which was quite right because we dominated. It was embarrassing how we controlled it first half.
‘It is just the old problem of converting chances and killing teams off.’
Blackpool Team News:
Ian Evatt is expected to be fit for tomorrow’s game Vital understands, despite going off injured in midweek.
Jonjo Shelvey is expected to make his debut in place of Angel Martinez Cervera.
Player to watch: Jonjo Shelvey
I think it’s fair to say that we’re all delighted with Shelvey’s arrival, and all eyes will be on him tomorrow to see if he adds the creative spark we so desperately need in the middle of the park.
Bristol City Team News:
There are rumours that David James will be left out in favour of Dean Gerken.
Meanwhile, Cole Skuse is likely to miss out through injury while Jamie McAllister and Liam Fontaine are definitely out.
Player to watch: Nicky Marnard
One of the best strikers at this level, when fit. Seems to have a knack of always scoring against us.
Match Facts & Stats
Of 88 league clashes, Blackpool have won 29, Bristol City 35, with a share of the spoils in 24.
Bristol City hold a seven-match undefeated sequence against Blackpool (W4, D3).
Blackpool have not beaten the Robins since a 4-2 triumph at Ashton Gate in August 2006. Their most recent home victory was in November 2003, in the third tier.
Blackpool have failed to win six of their last seven league games, and have drawn four of the last six.
The 2-0 home win over Ipswich on 10 September is the only occasion this season a league game involving the Seasiders has been decided by more than a single goal.
Bristol City are on the look out for a first win in eight league and cup games.
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 15th October: West Ham v Blackpool (3pm)
