Blackpool - Sheffield United

With Saturday’s win against Plymouth (2-0), Blackpool extended their incredible run of five straight competitive wins at home (nine without a defeat) and just two goals conceded (ten scored). Squad that possess a decent quality and small stadium with fanatic fans made from Bloomfield Road a place that nobody likes to visit. With a single goal in both periods, Blacpool left Plymouth without a chance and in some period it looked they were doing the job in “second gear”. Winning streak gave them safety, at home play without too much respect and surely won’t be afraid of Championship giants (already beat Newcastle, 2-1). Defenders Danny Coid, Ian Evatt, and strikers Daniel Nardiello, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Stephen McPhee are all long term absentees for the hosts. Talented winger Ishmel Demontagnac made his comeback from injury against Plymouth and although he was sent off for violent conduct in a reserve match last week, his three-match ban does not yet come into play and he could feature. So, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway should start with the same side that beat Plymouth.

Blades came in the recent season as one of the main contenders for promotion. Squad that wasn’t changed too much during the transfer market possesses enough quality to fight against the best clubs in the second tier. But, problems came very soon. Currently, United are without a win in four games and have lost their last three away matches. Also, the fact they conceded eight goals in those three games (Coventry City 2-3, Swansea City 1-2, Scunthorpe United 1-3) sounds incredible when we talk about last season best defense line in Championship. Problem started, as usual, when one of the central defensive duo Morgan- Kilgallon is missing. First Chris Morgan got an injury. Recovered, but then Matthew Kilgallon fell in the “contract negotiation crisis”. Recently, he requested a transfer. Meanwhile, injury list has been growing. Manager Kevin Blackwell (his position is very insecure these days, btw.) couldn’t count on 10 first-team players for Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Scunthorpe - and could only name six substitutes on the bench! New name on the list is defender Andrew Davies, while team morale is needless to say very low. Kevin Blackwell will probably set his last season favorite 4-5-1 formation and expectations are tight game is in front, with small number of goals.

United’s only advantage are club’s reputation and the fact they’re unbeaten in eight league games against Blackpool (five wins, three draws). Home side has a clear advantage and only limitation for me is the fact this is the mid-week game. I take “draw no bet” option with the high stake (Pinnacle 1.77) and home win (again Pinnacle 2.52) as a gamble.

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Nottingham Forest - Blackpool

Despite loudly announced ambitions for a play-off spot, Forest haven’t showed anything special so far. The true is they have a full squad of talented players, but main reason for their underachieving, and just a single win in seven games, is big problems in defence line and injuries of, at one moment, six defenders. So, some good displays (like vs. Watford, 2-4 at home) were punished with counter-attacks and lack of points. Some keys in back line have been recovered and club started to collect the points, currently they’re in five games unbeaten run in all competitions (one win and four draws). But if they want to do more than mediocre position in the middle, they have to start winning. First and maybe decisive opportunity is today. Manager Billy Davies again can count on midfielder Radoslaw Majewski who had an ankle injury and striker Nathan Tyson who returns to the squad after the birth of his son last weekend.  

Blackpool made a decent start with just one defeat (Leicester City, 1-2 away) in the first seven rounds. They are a team of great technical skills and their games are pretty to watch. That performances usually stayed short for the final result, but in the previous round, they brought a first defeat to Newcastle (2-1 at home), even without some key players and boost their confidence till the sky limits. But, the main problem today at City Ground will be their mentally discharge and big possibility of bad result that usually comes after. I rated their chances about little lower than 50%. The Seasiders have enough quality to make another good result, but everything will depend from their entering the game. Also, they’ll have to cope with some missings. Striker Ben Burgess has been nursing a knee injury and faces a late fitness test. Danny Coid (defender), Daniel Nardiello (striker), Gary Taylor-Fletcher (midfielder) and Stephen McPhee (striker) remain sidelined. 

Forest start to feel the pressure of great expectations and desperately need a win here. It sounds like already seen scenario with home attacks and visitors’ counters. A total of 12 goals have been scored in Forest's three home league games (five for, seven against) is the highest home average in the Championship. I expect something like that again. Betfair offer 2.18. Over.

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