Preview: Cheltenham Town vs. Blackpool - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are aiming to build momentum to escape the relegation zone while the visitors are looking to close the gap on the top six.

Match preview

Three straight losses before their last match had Cheltenham's survival hopes teetering on the brink.

However, the Robins clawed back with a vital 1-0 away win against Cambridge United last time out, their first victory on the road since December.

Their season started poorly under Wade Elliott, managing only one goal in the first 11 matches, but Darrell Clarke's arrival brought some improvement, with 19 points from the next 12 games lifting them closer to safety.

Unfortunately, a recent slump of four defeats in six games threatened to undo their progress, as they are now five points adrift of safety but with two games in hand.

Cheltenham desperately need a strong run, but their upcoming opponent, Blackpool, have historically dominated them, having won seven out of 10 encounters, with only one Cheltenham victory and two draws.

Meanwhile, Blackpool head into this fixture aiming to return to winning ways in their pursuit of a League One playoff place, having seen their momentum slowed in recent weeks after enjoying a pleasing run.

After ending 2023 with two defeats, Neil Critchley's side started January impressively, securing three consecutive wins to solidify their top-six aspirations. They defeated Lincoln United and Exeter City 2-0 each at Bloomfield Road before edging Bristol Rovers 2-1.

However, their momentum stalled recently, with a 1-1 draw against Charlton followed by a 1-0 defeat and a 1-1 draw against fellow playoff contenders Stevenage and Oxford United, respectively.

These results leave them with 47 points, six points behind sixth-placed Stevenage, who also have a game in hand.

Looking to end their three-game winless run, Blackpool will be confident against a struggling Cheltenham side.

Cheltenham Town League One form:

L

W

L

L

L

W

Blackpool League One form:

W

W

W

D

L

D

Blackpool form (all competitions):

L

W

D

W

L

D

Team News

Cheltenham will remain without Robert Street, who has been out for a long time due to a knee injury.

Clarke might likely stick with the same starting XI from the impressive victory over Cambridge in their last match.

Matt Taylor has scored in his first two matches since making the switch from Forest Green, and he is expected to keep his place in a front two with George Lloyd.

Blackpool will be without key man and leading scorer Jordan Rhodes, who has missed the last two matches through injuries.

Jake Beesley joins him on the injury table, leaving Shayne Lavery with another opportunity to lead the attack.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Southwood; Smith, Davies, Shepherd; Long, Pett, Kinsella, Sercombe, Ferry; Taylor, Lloyd

Blackpool possible starting lineup:

Grimshaw; Pennington, Ekpiteta, Husband; Lawrence-Gabriel, Norburn, Morgan, Coulson; Dembele, Lavery, Joseph

We say: Cheltenham Town 1-2 Blackpool

Both sides are coming into this game looking to take a positive step towards their respective goals, which will make it a tough match. However, the visitors have historically dominated this fixture and have been the better side this season.

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