Neil Critchley’s team has already defeated Barrow and Liverpool U21s in their two previous matches. In the meantime, the Shrimps have won one of their first two games and are currently ahead of Barrow in the group, but anything can still happen at Bloomfield Road because The Bluebirds have already played their third and final game. Below is our predicted Seasiders starting lineup for tonight’s game:
1. Who will start against Morecambe?
The EFL Trophy tie could provide opportunities for a number of players.
2. GK: Richard O’Donnell
Richard O’Donnell has been Blackpool’s cup keeper throughout the season so far, and he has always looked solid. His most recent outing came in the FA Cup against Bromley, where he made a number of important saves in the 2-0 win.
3. CB: Doug Tharme
Doug Tharme has benefitted from games in the EFL Trophy so far this season, and could be handed another chance to impress against the Shrimps.
4. CB: Olly Casey
The game against Morecambe could be an opportunity to get Olly Casey back into action following his recent suspension. Prior to his red card in defeat to Peterborough, and additional two-match ban, the centre back had looked assured for the Seasiders.
5. CB: Callum Connolly
Callum Connolly was another player who featured in the FA Cup tie at Hayes Lane. He has been a reliable member of Neil Critchley’s squad this season. The majority of times he has been called upon, he has put in a put a strong display.
6. RWB: Andy Lyons
Andy Lyons wasn’t involved in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers, but did also feature in the FA tie against Bromley. In Blackpool’s last EFL Trophy fixture, the 23-year-old was among the scorers in the 5-2 win.
7. CM: Tashan Oakley-Boothe
Tashan Oakley-Boothe hasn’t really hit the ground running since his summer move to Bloomfield Road, but will be determined to turn things around. The game against Morecambe is another opportunity for the former Spurs midfielder to do just that.
8. CM: Kenny Dougall
Kenny Dougall was suspended for the game against Bolton on Saturday afternoon. The midfielder could make his return to action for this one, to pick up some minutes before the weekend’s game against Shrewsbury.
9. CM: Jensen Weir
Like Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Jensen Weir will be hoping to impress when handed his next opportunity. Game time hasn’t been frequent for the Brighton & Hove Albion loanee in the last couple of months. He really impressed while spending time with Morecambe last season, and will be hoping for a chance this evening.
10. LWB: Owen Dale
Owen Dale came off the bench in the defeat to Bolton, but could return to the starting XI for this one.
11. ST: Kyle Joseph
Kyle Joseph made his return from injury off the bench against Bolton. The Morecambe game could be another opportunity for him to pick up some minutes, whether that is from the start or off the bench.
12. ST: Kylian Kouassi
Kylian Kouassi has certainly made his mark in the EFL Trophy so far this season. The striker has scored four goals in two games, and has certainly used the competition as a spring board.
13. SUB: Mackenzie Chapman
Mackenzie Chapman has mainly been involved with the development squad this season, but could be handed a place on the bench this evening.
14. SUB: Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel
Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel is working his way back to fitness following a long-term injury. After joining in with full team training in the last couple of weeks, he could be named on the bench to ease his return to action.
15. SUB: Marvin Ekpiteta
Due to Olly Casey’s suspension, Marvin Ekpiteta has found himself back in Blackpool’s starting XI in recent weeks. For the visit of Morecambe, he could return to the bench.
16. SUB: Kwaku Donkor
Seasiders youngster Kwaku Donkor has featured off the bench in the last two EFL Trophy games, and could be handed an opportunity once again.
17. SUB: Luke Mariette
Luke Mariette was another youngster who received game time off the bench in the game against Liverpool U21s.
18. SUB: Karamoko Dembele
Karamoko Dembele has started to find his form in recent weeks, and could be a good option off the bench against Morecambe.
19. SUB: Jake Beesley
The EFL Trophy could present Jake Beesley with another opportunity. Game time has been limited for the striker in recent months.
