Preview: Blackpool vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, will attempt to record their second victory under Michael Carrick in what will be his fourth game in charge.

Match preview

Blackpool will head into Tuesday's game in 18th place, with two points separating them from the relegation zone following consecutive defeats.

After being beaten 1-0 by West Bromwich Albion, the Tangerines were edged out by the same scoreline when they played host to Luton Town at the weekend.

Although they only lost by a slender margin on Saturday, only two sides have conceded more Championship goals than Blackpool this season.

Luke Berry's winner for Luton Town also ensured that the Tangerines have failed to keep a home clean sheet in the league since the opening weekend of the season.

Despite losing their last two matches, Blackpool can take inspiration from the fact that two of their three home victories this season have taken place in their previous four home games.

After taking four points from their previous two matches, Middlesbrough will be looking to make it three games without defeat on Tuesday

Following his appointment as Boro boss, Carrick began his tenure with a defeat to Preston North End, but his side bounced back in their next game to secure a 3-1 victory over Hull City.

Carrick took charge of his first home match on Saturday where a Chuba Akpom equaliser ensured the contest with Bristol City ended in a 1-1 draw.

While the Middlesbrough manager will be encouraged by recent results, his side currently occupy 20th position and are only one point adrift of the bottom three.

The visitors have won two of their last three away games and they would move above their opponents with another victory on Tuesday.

Blackpool Championship form:

D

L

W

W

L

L

Middlesbrough Championship form:

L

W

D

L

W

D

Team News

Blackpool are unable to call upon Liam Bridcutt and Lewis Fiorini due to groin and hamstring injuries, while Jordan Gabriel, Kevin Stewart and Jake Beesley are also sidelined.

Keshi Anderson returned from injury to make his first appearance this season as a second half substitute on Saturday, and the 27-year-old is expected to be on the bench once again.

Appleton could make at least one change to the side that lost to Luton, with Callum Wright in line for a recall to the starting lineup.

As for the visitors, Duncan Watmore is still expected to be unavailable after missing the last three games through injury.

Although Middlesbrough had to settle for a point at the weekend, Carrick could opt for continuity and name an unchanged lineup.

After scoring the equaliser against Bristol City, Akpom will have the chance to score in a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Maxwell; Connolly, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband; Patino, Dougall, Wright; Yates, Hamilton, Madine

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Steffen; Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney; Jones, Akpom, McGree; Forss

We say: Blackpool 1-2 Middlesbrough

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