Preview: Blackpool vs. Cardiff City - prediction, team news, lineups

However, the Bluebirds make the long trip to the North-West coast aware that that they can catapult themselves away from the bottom three in the standings.

Match preview

Blackpool's chances of avoiding relegation from the Championship have been significantly boosted by Reading's six-point deduction, leaving the Seasiders five points adrift of 20th spot.

That said, Mick McCarthy is aware that his side need to focus on their own form after losing five of their most recent seven fixtures in the second tier.

While there have been times when Blackpool have delivered encouraging results, conceding seven times in defeats to Coventry City and Preston North End has derailed any momentum that had been building.

Nevertheless, Blackpool are due to play three teams in 16th place or below in their next five outings, providing them with the opportunity to make progress in their efforts to avoid returning to League One.

The Tangerines had been on a six-match undefeated streak on familiar territory before their capitulation to Coventry on March 18.

Cardiff had also built some momentum not so long ago, with nine points from a possible 12 seemingly moving Sabri Lamouchi's team clear of trouble.

However, even with Reading's points deduction, Cardiff now look in trouble again after collecting just one point from their last three fixtures.

The Bluebirds had been on their way to another morale-maintaining point against rivals Swansea City on April 1, battling back from two goals down to be on level terms heading into added-on time.

Swansea stole all three points, though, with a 98th-minute winner, and it remains to be seen whether the Welsh outfit are capable of providing an immediate response in such an important fixture on Friday.

Blackpool Championship form:

L

D

L

W

L

L

Cardiff City Championship form:

W

L

W

L

D

L

Team News

With a back three proving ineffective versus Preston, McCarthy may revert back to a four, with Dominic Thompson in contention to start at left-back.

Further alterations are expected in midfield with Charlie Patino an option in a central three, while Josh Bowler could start on the right flank.

Lamouchi may have to contemplate a change at left wing-back depending on the fitness of versatile Cardiff man Callum O'Dowda, who has been dealing with a groin injury.

Joe Ralls could deputise there if required, which would likely lead to Romaine Sawyers returning in the middle of the pitch.

Rubin Colwill and Connor Wickham are also in contention for opportunities in the final third.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Maxwell; Lyons, Nelson, Husband, Thompson; Dougall, Connolly, Patino; Bowler, Yates, Rogers

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Allsop; Ng, Kipre, McGuinness; Philogene, Rinomhota, Wintle, Sawyers, Ralls; Wickham, Kaba

We say: Blackpool 1-1 Cardiff City

With both sides losing momentum in recent games, this could prove to be a tense affair. While McCarthy will demand that his side take the game to one of his former clubs, we feel that Cardiff will do enough to earn a share of the spoils.

Previews by email