After winning 4-0 against Shrewsbury Town and Portsmouth in back-to-back games, the Seasiders will be full of energy going into this match.
On Saturday afternoon at Fratton Park, Owen Dale, Jake Beesley, CJ Hamilton, and Albie Morgan all had goals.
Before tonight’s match, Blackpool manager Neil Critchley spoke about his squad options, saying, “To be honest, it’s pretty much as you were.” Kylian (Kouassi) and Shayne (Lavery) will be absent for several weeks.
Ollie Norburn was up and down on Saturday and completed some training towards the end of last week, so we’ll have to decide what to do with him. I’m sure he’ll put himself forward for selection. “As far as I know, we didn’t suffer any injuries on Saturday.”
Here’s our predicted Seasiders XI for the visit of Northampton:
1. Who will start for Blackpool?
Will Neil Critchley make any changes from the victory over Portsmouth?
2. GK: Dan Grimshaw
Dan Grimshaw has enjoyed back-to-back clean sheets in the Seasiders goal. During that time, he has made a number of big saves in key moments to help Blackpool on their way to two big wins.
3. CB: Matthew Pennington
Matthew Pennington has really settled in well at Bloomfield Road. The defender made the move to Blackpool from Shrewsbury Town during the summer.
4. CB: Marvin Ekpiteta
Marvin Ekpiteta has really made the most of his opportunity back in the starting 11. The centre back received a chance to reclaim his spot following Olly Casey’s three-match suspension, and appears to have cemented his place once again.
5. CB: James Husband
James Husband is a firm contender for Blackpool’s player of the season so far this year. The defender has been an excellent captain for the Seasiders in the recent absence of Ollie Norburn.
6. RWB: CJ Hamilton
CJ Hamilton was among the scorers in the Portsmouth victory. The wing-back has a huge influence on Blackpool’s fortune, and looks unstoppable down the wing when he’s in full flow.
7. CM: Kenny Dougall
Kenny Dougall has been in excellent form this season. His presence in midfield is key, and his importance has been amplified in the last few weeks.
8. CM: Sonny Carey
Sonny Carey has enjoyed an impressive few weeks. The midfielder has been given the freedom to go forward more often, and has really benefitted from that.
9. LWB: Owen Dale
Owen Dale was also on the scoresheet at Fratton Park on Saturday. The efforts of the 25-year-old have been noted in the last few weeks- with some great performances under his belt.
10. CAM: Karamoko Dembele
Karamoko Dembele has truly settled in at Bloomfield Road. The ex-Celtic youngster has been really influential throughout the last month, and is like no other player in League One currently.
11. ST: Jordan Rhodes
Jordan Rhodes took his season total up to 10 in Blackpool’s last home game. The Huddersfield loanee is a vital asset for the Seasiders, and will be looking to continue his good record at Bloomfield Road.
12. ST: Kyle Joseph
Neil Critchley has a tough decision to make up front. The Northampton game could be a potential opportunity to hand Kyle Joseph his first start for the club following his recent cameo appearances from the bench
13. SUB: Richard O’Donnell
Summer signing Richard O’Donnell has been Blackpool’s cup keeper so far this season, and number two to Dan Grimshaw in the league.
14. SUB: Olly Casey
Patience is required for Olly Casey as he looks to break back into Blackpool’s starting 11 in the league. Perhaps another start could come his way in the FA Cup tie at the weekend.
15. SUB: Callum Connolly
Callum Connolly came off the bench in the victory over Portsmouth. He has always performed well when called upon this season.
16. SUB: Andy Lyons
Andy Lyons has been included on the bench in the last couple of league fixtures.
17. SUB: Ollie Norburn
It’s been a frustrating month for captain Ollie Norburn- who has missed a number of matches due to multiple injuries. He could perhaps be eased back into action off the bench.
18. SUB: Albie Morgan
Albie Morgan came off the bench to claim his side’s fourth goal in the victory over Portsmouth.
19. SUB: Jake Beesley
Jake Beesley has enjoyed a great run of form, with five goals in his last three games in all competitions. The striker could perhaps be given a little breather ahead of the cup game at the weekend, but it will be a close call.
