The weather forecast is looking promising for the weekend. Blackpool is one of my favourite away games, simply because I bloody love Blackpool. I've spent many a happy day there throughout the years, as both a child and adult. So the fixture list has been kind enough this time, to give us a Saturday afternoon there, during the late summer/early autumn for a change. Sadly I won't be able to make this one, however over 3000 reds fans are travelling along the M62. Blackpool's only points at home this season, came in a 1-0 win over Fulham, in a game where the away side dominated both possession and chances. Blackpool scored with their only attempt on goal. They did beat a largely second string Middlesbrough side in the cup at home too (although, they also beat their first side away in the league), but their home ties so far this season have largely resulted in fairly comfortable defeats. We're yet to win away from home this season, but have only lost 3 of our last 16 competitive away games (over 90 minutes). Of course, a large portion of that was under a different manager, with a different style of play, and ultimately, quite a few different players. Historically, games between us at Bloomfield Road are relatively tight affairs. In the last 12 meetings, the game has been either tied (after 90 minutes) or won by a 1 goal margin on every occasion, with the exception of a 3-1 Blackpool win in the league cup in 2018. We've shared 3 wins a piece in that same time frame, which came after a good winning streak for us at the start of the century. I haven't seen any early team news, but I'm hoping that we'll have more options, Benson for one should be available. I'm going for a 0-1 win, with Woodrow on the scoresheet just after half time.
Think we'll win this 2-0. Things will finally start coming together. Bournemouth excepted, we're still very difficult to beat, which is the basis of a good side. Things will come good at the other end of the pitch. Obviously I might be wrong and we could play like we did against Bournemouth or Birmingham and lose. If that happens I'll start getting twitchy, but I'm confident it'll be a happy trip home / night out in Blackpool for the away contingent.
I love Blackpool too. Beach, arcades, bars, restaurants, piers, theatres, Pleasure Beach, zoo, Tower, Sandcastle, Sealife and much more. Something for everyone and it gets a bad rep when it's full of things towns and cities around the country would love for themselves. Papa's restaurant on the seafront for the best fish n chips anywhere, 3-0 victory and then to CJs Cafe for a foot long chocolate eclair to take home to eat during the Joshua fight...
Think its time we won one again - Blackpool too far for me so giving this one a miss but hopefully a 1-2 win