Match Preview | Wanderers v Blackpool

Blackpool Preview

Wanderers return to league action following on from their win over Fleetwood Town in the Vertu Trophy which saw the Whites top their group.

Ian Evatt's side will be looking to make it five successive home league games unbeaten which most recently included back-to-back victories on home soil against Burton Albion and Peterborough United - the latter win secured thanks to a Klaidi Lolos goal in the 99th minute.

Image
Lolos Peterborough United

You would have to go back to 1986 for the last time Wanderers were on the receiving end of a home defeat to Blackpool. The 12 home meetings between the sides in all competitions since have resulted in seven wins and five draws.

Saturday's visitors sit 18th after 15 games following the appointment of Steve Bruce in early September replacing Neil Critchley.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United boss won his first four games in charge and was named Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month for September.

Manager Quotes

Ian Evatt: "We've got to make sure we do everything we can to win our home games. We have great crowds backing us and we know on Saturday if we perform the right way the crowd will be there for us again. 

"Obviously it's a local game which is important for the supporters and we will do all we can to try and win. We've just got to find a level of consistency again and make sure we perform and, if we do perform, I know the fans will be there with us."

Image
Ian Evatt Walsall

Steve Bruce: "It's a big occasion and this is a game steeped in history - when you look back in the day, both Blackpool and Bolton were the big clubs in the country when you look at cup finals and such.

"We want to enjoy the occasion and hope we can go and perform. They've had a bit of a tough time but it's about us and how we're going to approach it and hope we can get back on track."

Team News

Captain George Thomason is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury which has kept him out of Ian Evatt's plans for the previous seven games.

Midfielder Kyle Dempsey will remain out for a further four weeks following minor knee surgery. Gethin Jones could make his first league start of the season after appearing off the bench against Stockport County and achieving a full 90 minutes under his belt in the Vertu Trophy win over Fleetwood Town.

Image
Gethin Jones Fleetwood

The visitors could be without top scorer Kyle Joseph who was forced off in the goalless draw with Northampton Town last week with an ankle problem. X-rays showed there was no major damage but Steve Bruce has his fingers crossed he will be fit enough to feature.

Form Guide

Wanderers currently sit in 11th, three points off the play-off places with a game in hand over 6th placed Lincoln City despite defeat last time out.

The Whites are unbeaten in seven of their last nine league games with Ian Evatt's side without a loss at home in that run.

Image
Schon Peterborough

Blackpool recorded a draw last time out but the Tangerines are without a league win in seven games, having last taken all three points back in late September.

Two draws and three defeats in their last five in the league campaign, with the most notable being a 5-1 defeat to Peterborough United in late October.

Kick off

Saturday 12:30pm.

Referee

Edward Duckworth

This will be the first time Duckworth has officiated Wanderers.

Tickets/Wanderers TV

Secure your place at the Toughsheet for the visit of Blackpool by clicking HERE.

Audio passes will be available, as always, for UK based supporters. Those based internationally can stream the game through a live video match pass on Wanderers TV.

Click here to purchase your passes.

The game will also be available on Sky Sports+.

Read Time: 4 mins