Forest away… ah, the memories.
Whereas our last visit to the City Ground saw us seal a playoff final berth, tomorrow’s visit could see us take a step closer to securing a playoff semi final berth this time around.
With just four games of the regular season remaining, the Seasiders find themselves in 5th place with a four point – and superior goal difference – gap to 7th placed Brighton.
‘Pool manager Ian Holloway will be keen for his side to secure their place in the top six as soon as possible with three tough games to follow this weekend’s clash.
He’ll also be keen for the tangerines to build some momentum; something we’ve (arguably) been short of all season.
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves though, Forest represent a tough test – indeed, Steve Cotterill’s already beaten us twice this season… can he make it a hattrick?
Vital Quotes:
Ollie is convinced that Blackpool have what it takes to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking:
‘It seems like we have that bounce in our stride again.
‘It feels like we have our mojo back and that is great because boy, do we need it right now.
‘That spirit, that determination – it looks like we are back to our best in every department.
‘We are playing some great football and we are attacking and looking like the team I want us to be.
‘We have to continue to be upbeat, positive and believe we can win these last four and then scrap it out with the others in the play-offs.’
Nottingham Forest Team News:
Gareth McCleary is suspended after his red card against Peterborough, whilst Guy Moussi is also a doubt with a calf injury.
Player to watch: Radoslaw Majeski
The creative midfielder has been quiet by his standards this season, but a recent hat-trick suggests he may be getting back to his best.
Blackpool Team News:
Kevin Phillips is likely to miss out with the hip injury that he broke down in training with last weekend. The veteran striker has been sent to a specialist.
Roman Bednar remains a fortnight away from fitness, whilst Keith Southern is suspended.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher should be ok to return.
Player to watch: Stephen Dobbie
His return to the club seems to have sparked the Seasiders into life once more. Has a key role to play in the coming weeks.
Match Facts & Stats
Forest beat us 2-1 at Bloomfield Road earlier in the season, and Steve Cotterill has beaten us twice this season.
Forest are seven points clear of the drop zone having won six of their last twelve.
Only Doncaster have lost more times than Forest this season – 24 v 22.
Forest have drawn the fewest number of games in the league.
Forest have only picked up 19 points at home, losing a dozen times along the way.
‘Pool are the only team to have scored in every Championship match in 2012.
They have gained an unequalled 31 points from losing positions, and are two places and four points better off than they were at this stage in 2010, in their last promotion campaign. That season they totalled 70 points, and a victory here would equal that mark with three more to play.
Next Fixtures:
Leeds at home on Tuesday night.
