Preview: ‘Pool v Derby

Blackpool aim to extend their 100% league record to three games tonight when they face another team with a 100% record – Derby.

Vital Quotes:

Despite the good start to the season, ‘Pool manager Ian Holloway is still looking to strengthen his squad:

‘When you look at the statistics – the fact we’ve lost 40 goals from last season – it hammers home how tough my job is.

‘If you look at the striking options I had then, I just haven’t got those now.

‘I need someone to step up and help carry the weight of this and that’s what I’m looking for.’

Blackpool Team News:

Matt Gilks is expected to be fit to play despite his ankle injury, whilst young forward Tom Barkhuizen could make the squad.

Player to watch: Kevin Phillips

Scored two on his home debut last time out; ‘Pool fans will be hoping that he has enough left in the tank from the weekend to make the difference again tonight.

Derby Team News:

James Bailey is a doubt with an ankle injury, whilst Jamie Ward is out with a hamstring injury.

Player to watch: Steve Davies

Already netted twice this season from distance – it’ll be down to the likes of Southern and Ferguson to shut Davies down.

Match Facts & Stats

The Rams have lost only one of their last seven visits to Bloomfield Road over 44 years (all comps).

Blackpool have failed to score in four of their last five home games with the Rams.

‘Pool last won the first three matches of a league campaign in 1991, the season that culminated in promotion to the third tier. We last achieved the feat at this level in 1934!