Blackpool travel to Bolton Wanderers in search of a rare away win before the international break in November. Both teams were in FA Cup action last weekend and won against non-league opposition.
Bolton defeated Solihull Moors 4-0, while the Tangerines defeated Bromley 2-0 at Hayes Lane just a few hours later. The FA Cup matches provided a welcome diversion from both teams’ primary goal this season, which is to be in the running for promotion.
The Trotters are third, while Blackpool are just outside the play-offs and will be looking to continue their improved away form. It’s been 37 years since Blackpool won away at Bolton, and that dreadful run has to come to an end somewhere, and could Saturday be that day? More than 4,000 fans have travelled from Lancashire to Greater Manchester in the hope of seeing a positive outcome.
Due to suspension, Blackpool will be missing two players. Olly Casey’s red card against Peterborough United was extended, and he will now miss this weekend’s crucial match as well. Kenny Dougall received his fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-3 draw with Fleetwood Town, despite playing in the game.
The hosts are missing a few players due to injury, most notably on defence. Bolton played Shrewsbury Town in a rearranged fixture in midweek, while Blackpool had a free week, so it’ll be interesting to see who is the fresher of the two teams.
Here is our predicted Blackpool XI and bench:
. GK: Daniel Grimshaw
Back in the starting XI after a rejig against Bromley last week. Neil Critchley has challenged him to be ever present in the league.
CB: James Husband
His experience will be key against a Bolton side that can score goals.
CB: Marvin Ekpiteta
In the continued absence of Olly Casey, Ekpiteta gets his chance. His experience in the centre of a back three will be important.
CB: Matthew Pennington
Matthew Pennington has enjoyed a solid run in the team in the last few months, and holds down his position again.
LWB: Owen Dale
A good option to have at left wing-back. Started against both Fleetwood Town and Bromley, and should get the nod once again.
CM: Sonny Carey
Two goals against Fleetwood Town made it three goals in as many games. Playing him as a centre-midfielder rather than an attacking midfielder might limit him a bit but he can still cause problems.
CM: Callum Connolly
Callum Connolly offers solidity in the centre of the park. Played centre-back vs Bromley, and only got nine minutes against Fleetwood Town but might be worth a recall.
CAM: Karamoko Dembele
Dembele in the free role is something opposition teams should be wary of. He’s a talented player and everyone wants to see him play as much as possible. A big choice to make.
RWB: CJ Hamilton
Yet to miss a game in League One so far, and comes back into the team after being rested against Bromley. He got an assist in his last league game, and could cause some problems for a changed Bolton defence.
ST: Jordan Rhodes
The experienced striker has bagged nine goals so far this season, and could be the key to bringing Bolton down
ST: Shayne Lavery
Albeit against lower league opposition, Lavery was a handful against Bromley. He’s played his way in to the starting XI.
Sub: Richard O’Donnell
The experienced goalkeeper takes his place back amongst the substitutes following an FA Cup outing.
Sub: Andy Lyons
Did well against Bromley in what was his first outing in a few weeks Good option to call upon attacking wise from the bench.
Sub: Albie Morgan
Started the first few weeks of the season but now trying to claw his way back in to the side
. Sub: Kylian Kouassi
If things need to change up front then Kylian Kouassi is on hand to give Critchley a different option.
Sub: Tashan Oakley-Boothe
Had a few starts in recent weeks, but is still waiting for that big moment.
Sub: Dominic Thompson
Given the desire to play with a back three, and with wing-backs. Cover is important and Thompson can provide that.
SUB: Jensen Weir
Arrived with a lot of hype from Brighton & Hove Albion following a positive spell at Morecambe. Needs a big moment to come from somewhere.
