Carlislevs.Blackpool

The Tangerines occupy eighth position in the Legaue One table, while basement side Carlisle have already had their relegation confirmed.

Match preview

Carlisle's relegation to League Two was confirmed with a disappointing 2-0 defeat in last Saturday's away meeting with Northampton Town.

While they have struggled in all departments, Carlisle's vulnerable backline has ultimately proved to be one of the key factors in their demise, having conceded 75 goals in 43 games to leave them with the worst defensive record in the division.

They did at least manage to keep their third league clean sheet in Tuesday's successful away meeting with Cheltenham Town.

Sam Lavelle's first-half effort ultimately proved enough to clinch a narrow 1-0 win, representing their second victory in three away matches.

Paul Simpson's side will now return to Brunton Park, where they will attempt to end an eight-game winless run by claiming their first home win since New Year's Day.

In contrast to their hosts, Blackpool have a lot riding on Saturday's contest after getting their playoff bid back on track with consecutive 1-0 home victories.

Sonny Carey scored the decisive goal against Cambridge United, before Jake Beesley netted the winner in Tuesday's home game against Fleetwood Town.

Although Blackpool are sitting just three points adrift of the top six, they have played one game more than Oxford United and Lincoln City.

The Tangerines will now turn their attention to Saturday's road trip, where they will be desperate to avoid another poor away performance after losing to Wigan Athletic and Derby County in their last two away matches.

Blackpool will have the chance to complete a league double over Carlisle after cruising to a 3-0 victory in December's reverse fixture.

Carlisle United League One form:

L

D

W

L

L

W

Blackpool League One form:

W

L

L

D

W

W

Team News

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Dan Butterworth, Sean Maguire, Josh Vela, Jokull Andresson and Dylan McGeouch.

Alfie McCalmont and Jordan Gibson have missed the last two matches and remain doubts for Saturday's trip to Bloomfield Road.

Josh Kayode is expected to start from the bench after returning from a lengthy layoff to play the final 20 minutes against Cheltenham.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley is unable to call upon full-back Andy Lyons and forward Jordan Rhodes due to knee injuries.

After seeing his side enjoy a successful midweek outing, Critchley could be tempted to select an unchanged lineup for Saturday's contest.

Albie Morgan will provide an option off the bench after returning from injury to feature as a late substitute against Fleetwood.

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Back, Lavelle, Huntington, Barclay, Armer; Robinson, Neal, Mellish, Armstrong, Kelly

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Grimshaw; Pennington, Ekpiteta, Husband; Hamilton, Dembele, Byers, Carey, Coulson; Lavery, Beesley

We say: Carlisle United 0-2 Blackpool

Blackpool may have lost their last two away matches, but we think that the Tangerines will have the quality required to claim a relatively comfortable victory over League One's basement side.

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