Blackpoolvs.Stevenage

At a time when the Seasiders sit in 10th position in the standings, the visitors to Bloomfield Road are one point behind in 12th place.

Match preview

On the back of an eight-match streak without success in League One, it appeared far-fetched that Blackpool could get themselves back into the playoff hunt.

However, three successive victories have done just that, Steve Bruce's side now sitting just five points adrift of the top six and seven clear of the relegation zone.

Notably, each of their three recent triumphs have come away from home, seven goals being scored in victories over Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and Reading.

Prior to that upturn in results, Blackpool had prevailed in just two of eight such games, and the onus is now on improving on the North-West coast.

Only 10 points have been recorded at Bloomfield Road in eight matches, Blackpool without a win in front of their own supporters since September 28.

Alex Revell has endured somewhat of a similar period with Stevenage, recently going five league games without posting a win.

Since then, though, eight points have been recorded from a possible 12, keeping Stevenage on the coattails of their upcoming opponents.

After draws versus Reading and Leyton Orient, wins were posted against Northampton Town and Stockport County respectively. Stevenage have conceded just two goals across those four games.

That said, Stevenage have not experienced an away fixture in League One since October 26 with just seven of their 18 matches coming on their travels.

Blackpool League One form:

L

D

L

W

W

W

Blackpool form (all competitions):

L

W

L

W

W

L

Stevenage League One form:

L

L

D

D

W

W

Stevenage form (all competitions):

L

D

L

W

W

W

Team News

Josh Onomah has joined the Blackpool injury list that also includes the likes of Elkan Baggott, Andy Lyons, CJ Hamilton and Jake Beesley.

With Sonny Carey also not in a position to return and changes having been made for he EFL Trophy exit to Aston Villa, it is plausible that the same starting lineup could be selected here.

Barring any fresh fitness issues, Revell could select the same Stevenage side that impressed against Stockport.

If a change is made, Daniel Phillips may be recalled into the engine room for his 13th league start of the campaign.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Tyrer; Offiah, Pennington, Casey, Husband; Apter, Evans, Morgan, Onomah; Joseph, Fletcher

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Cooper; James-Wildin, Thompson, Piergianni, Butler; Thompson, White; List, Kemp, Roberts; Reid

We say: Blackpool 1-1 Stevenage

With these two teams both very much in form and ready to chase down the top six, this is a difficult match to call. Although Blackpool deserve to be regarded as the favourites, we are backing Stevenage to earn what could prove to be an invaluable share of the spoils come the end of the season.

Written by

Darren Plant

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