After losing to Northampton Town in their most recent game, the Seasiders will be looking to go back to winning ways in League One.
They had won four games in a row before and appeared prepared to climb the standings. After Tuesday’s EFL Trophy midweek match against Barnsley, Neil Critchley will have some interesting selection decisions to make.
Here’s our predicted starting XI and bench:
1. Who will start for the Seasiders?
We’ve taken a look at who could feature for Blackpool against Carlisle United.
2. GK: Dan Grimshaw
Dan Grimshaw is the Seasiders’ regular man between the sticks in League One. After dropping out of the team for the EFL Trophy tie against Barnsley, he is expected to return. So far this season, he has kept eight clean sheets.
3. CB: Matthew Pennington
Matthew Pennington also wasn’t involved in the EFL Trophy game against Barnsley, but is expected to return. The summer arrival has been a good addition at Bloomfield Road so far.
4. CB: Marvin Ekpiteta
Blackpool’s last league outing was a day to forget for a number of players, including Marvin Ekpiteta. After looking shaky against Northampton, the defender was much more commanding in the EFL Trophy tie against the Tykes. He faces tough competition from Olly Casey for his spot, but will probably keep his place this weekend.
5. CB: James Husband
James Husband was at fault with a costly mistake in the defeat to Northampton. Moments like that are rare for the defender, who has been superb for the Seasiders on the whole this season.
6. RWB: CJ Hamilton
CJ Hamilton will be among those hoping to improve on his display against Northampton. The wing-back had been in good form prior to the defeat at Bloomfield Road and will be hoping to replicate that this weekend.
7. CM: Kenny Dougall
Kenny Dougall has been solid in the Seasiders midfield so far this season. In the absence of Ollie Norburn, the Australian has really stepped up as a leader.
8. CM: Albie Morgan
Albie Morgan enjoyed an impressive second half in the EFL Trophy against Barnsley. The midfielder could be handed a return to the Seasiders’ starting 11 in the league.
9. LWB: Owen Dale
Owen Dale started in a more central position for the midweek game, but should return to a wider role if he starts against Carlisle. The attacker was on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win over Barnsley.
10. CAM: Karamoko Dembele
Karamoko Dembele’s creativity is key for the Seasiders, but was quiet in the defeat to Northampton. The attacker will be determined to rediscover his best form this weekend.
11. ST: Jake Beesley
Jake Beesley added another goal to his season tally in the win against Barnsley. The striker has really hit good form in the last few weeks.
12. ST: Jordan Rhodes
Jordan Rhodes has been fantastic for the Seasiders since his arrival in the summer. The Huddersfield loanee has 11 goals under his belt so far this season.
13. SUB: Richard O’Donnell
Richard O’Donnell made a number of important saves in Blackpool’s EFL Trophy win over the Tykes. He is likely to return to the bench for this weekend’s league game.
14. SUB: Olly Casey
Olly Casey is fighting to reclaim his spot in the Seasiders’ starting 11 on a regular basis. The defender was involved in the midweek win against Barnsley.
15. SUB: Callum Connolly
Callum Connolly captained the Seasiders in their midweek EFL Trophy tie.
16. SUB: Andy Lyons
The majority of Andy Lyons’ recent appearances have come from the bench in the last few months.
17. SUB: Jensen Weir
Jensen Weir provided an assist in the midweek game at Bloomfield Road.
18. SUB: Sonny Carey
Sonny Carey has enjoyed a recent strong run in the Blackpool team but could return to the bench for this one.
19. SUB: Kyle Joseph
Kyle Joseph has been a regular off the bench for the Seasiders in the last month as he continues to build his fitness following a spell on the sidelines.
