Blackpool v West Brom: Inside track on the Seasiders
West Brom make the trip to Blackpool this weekend in the FA Cup - get to know their opponents here.
We spoke with Matt Scrafton, Blackpool FC writer for the Blackpool Gazette, to get a better take on the side.
See what he had to say here...
How has the season gone so far for Blackpool?
It's fair to say it's been up and down! Despite plenty of pre-season optimism, which was thoroughly merited following some impressive displays against Everton and Liverpool during pre-season, Blackpool got off to a torrid start, losing six of their opening nine league games.
Neil Critchley has turned it around since then and were the league's form side at one stage in December.
Despite back-to-back defeats over the New Year period, Blackpool have still only lost three of their last 15 games and will be hopeful of challenging for the League One play-offs in the second half of the season.
West Brom are obviously struggling in the Premier League this season, do you get the feeling Blackpool maybe sense something of a giant killing this weekend?
Absolutely. From what I've seen of Blackpool since Neil Critchley took over in March 2020, they tend to perform well against the better sides, whether that be the likes of Portsmouth, Peterborough United and Hull City in League One - who they've beaten - or sides like Everton and Liverpool in pre-season.
I think it will suit the Seasiders to sit back, soak up any pressure and use their pace on the counter-attack when there's no real expectation or pressure on them to dominate possession. Add that to West Brom's recent poor form and lack of confidence, you'd like to think Blackpool have a pretty decent chance, although it doesn't always work out that way!
Obviously the FA Cup isn't the biggest priority for many teams, are Blackpool likely to rotate or could we see a full strength squad for this clash?
It's been hard to predict Blackpool's starting XI in recent weeks as Neil Critchley has opted to make quite a few changes, but he'll certainly be picking his strongest side for this one.
The Seasiders do have a big squad though with plenty of depth, so they're able to mix and rotate a little from game to game depending on the opposition's strengths and which players are available.
Nonetheless, Blackpool will certainly be taking this game seriously.
Who are the names Albion fans might need to be a bit wary of in this Blackpool side?
Jerry Yates and Gary Madine combine well whenever they're partnered up front together, while Kenny Dougall is a superb, all-action performer in the middle of the park.
Centre back Dan Ballard, who is on loan from Arsenal, is also a step above League One. CJ Hamilton has been Blackpool's most potent attacking threat this season but he's currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and he's already been a big miss in the last couple of games.
What kind of style of play can we expect from the Seasiders?
That's a very good question! Blackpool started the campaign with a 4-3-3 system and approach very similar to Liverpool's, which wasn't a major surprise given Neil Critchley's links. But following the poor start, he switched it up a bit and the Seasiders are now a lot more adaptable and can change their formation, tactics and approach on a game-by-game basis.
While they still like to get the ball down and attack at speed, they're equally adept at digging in and going a bit more direct into Gary Madine if the situation requires it.
In League One you need to be able to do a bit of everything if you're to enjoy success.
Are there any injury/covid worries heading into this one?
As mentioned, CJ Hamilton is out with a hamstring injury but other than that, everyone is fine fitness-wise.
Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and midfielder Matty Virtue have recently had to self-isolate having tested positive for Covid-19, but that period has now ended and they were due to return to training this week.
Your match prediction?
Blackpool to upset the odds and edge through 2-1 with a late winner.
