Blackpoolvs.LeedsLeeds United

The friendly contest at the LNER Community Stadium represents the opening game of pre-season for Leeds, who will fly off to Australia after facing the Tangerines.

Match preview

After Neil Critchley left his position as Blackpool manager to take up a role as Steve Gerrard's assistant at Aston Villa, the Tangerines appointed Michael Appleton who left his role as Lincoln boss at the end of last season.

Appleton returns to Bloomfield Road for a second stint as Blackpool manager after spending a short spell with the club in the 2021-22 season.

The Tangerines began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 victory over National League North side Southport on Friday, but they will face a much tougher test on Thursday when they face Premier League opposition.

While Ethan Robson has joined MK Dons on a free transfer, Blackpool are still yet to make a signing ahead of the new season.

Despite the lack of transfer activity, Blackpool still possesses the likes of Gary Madine, Jerry Yates and Shayne Lavery who scored 25 league goals between them last season.

Meanwhile, Jesse Marsch is preparing for his first full season as Leeds boss after being appointed as Marcelo Bielsa's successor at the end of February.

The Yorkshire side secured their Premier League survival with a final day victory over Brentford, ensuring they will participate in the top flight for a third consecutive season.

Leeds are preparing for the upcoming campaign without Kalvin Phillips - who has recently joined Manchester City - while Raphinha has also been linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Although Raphinha could follow Phillips out of the exit door, Leeds have been busy making new additions to the side, with Branden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi all arriving at Elland Road this summer.

At least a couple of the new additions could be involved on Thursday before they fly out to Australia with the rest of the Leeds squad for friendlies against Brisbane Roar, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Blackpool Club Friendlies form:

Team News

Appleton played an entirely different lineup for each half of Saturday's win over Southport, and the Blackpool boss could utilise that strategy once again on Thursday.

Marvin Ekpiteta and Kenneth Dougall could feature in the starting XI after playing in the second half against Southport.

The Tangerines could begin the contest with a front three consisting of Josh Bowler, CJ Hamilton and Yates.

As for Leeds, they could also utilise two different lineups for each half on Thursday, with Marsch looking to give most of the squad available to him some minutes ahead of the trip to Australia.

Having only just returned from the summer break, the players that featured for their countries in June are not expected to play on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Roca could make his first appearance for the club after arriving in the current transfer window.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Maxwell; Connolly, Ekpiteta, Keogh, Garbutt; Carey, Stewart, Dougall; Bowler, Hamilton, Yates

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Meslier; Drameh, Kock, Struijk, Firpo; Bate, Roca; Summerville, Rodrigo, Harrison; Gelhardt

We say: Blackpool 1-2 Leeds United

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