So, the start of a New Year, fresh start for everyone and another year to achieve those ambitions. For Michael Appleton, January 2013 presents the opportunity to finally make his mark at Blackpool. Thus far, he's had to shuffle Ian Holloway's pack which, in fairness, was struggling before the former manager's move to Palace. However, Appleton has a big enough pack to shuffle and his next hand will be an interesting one. A few reassuring facts. Blackpool haven't failed to score in a game since mid-October against Burnley. We still have plenty of goals in the side but just 4 clean sheets all season is costing us. Indeed, we are the 5th highest scoring team in the Championship. We also have a much better record against the top teams than the bottom - we're 8th in the Championship table when playing against top half teams and yet 20th against those in the bottom half. December was actually our second best month of the season and two defeats from ten under Appleton is a record Henning Berg would have killed for. Four home games in the next six present a real opportunity to push on in 2013. Hull have the best away record in the last 5 games in the Championship - three of those games ending in a 2-1 win with the other a 3-2 victory over Birmingham. Hull have the best record in the league of scoring first and going on to win a game and so the first goal could be a big one. The Tigers have as many clean sheets in their last 7 games as 'Pool have the whole season which reflects how difficult they'll be to break down. Aluko is their top scorer and we know his quality from the home game at Bloomfield Road. Ahmed Elmohamady is a doubt for Hull. Another tough game but if we play like we did against Leeds then i can see another three points Prediction Blackpool 1:3 Hull CIty (Aluko 2, Koren)
Who cares about Blackpool anyway. Its all about what Hull City do. I expect Liam Rosenoir to come for Elmo (big doubt) otherwise same again. Bruce jnr available again so will take Rosies place on the bench. Maybe McLean on the bench for Oli for this game. ?? As Cory Evans said, the squad dont need rest. We are young, fit and rarin to go. Let the tangerines worry about the Tigers me thinks. CITY TO WIN. Score dont matter.
Indeed. Even more so If Thomas Ince does not play. Looks like he has played his last game for the Tangerines as Ince puts the final touches to his New Year move back to Liverpool.
Blackpool seem to be leaking a few goals these days, so hope we can take advantage. 2-1 to the tigers for this one.
No problem mate, thought you'd defected! As for the game, I'd be cautious. If we showboat like we did against Leeds, we could get punished. Not sure if Ince will be gone tomorrow, these things usually take a few days so he could do us some damage on the counter. If we play carefully but surgically, we can win this, I'll say 2-0, Koren and Aluko.
Anyone who was at the same fixture last season will cringe if Oli gets anywhere near the pitch in this game, last season it was like watching a slower version of George Boateng, yeah I know, a shocking but unerringly accurate description!
Out of our next 5 league fixtures i'd say this is the toughest, get a win here and we can go on a great winning run. Blackpool (a) Sheff Wed (h) Peterborough (a) Derby (h) Millwall (a) All winnable especially if we play anything like Saturday's performance. Could be top by February with a brand new striker involved, Bruce confirming today in HDM that he wants Meyler on a permanent is great to hear too! Ince and Baptiste are very unlikely to play if they're going to leave shortly afterwards, won't want to risk getting injured costing them a big wage increase (particularly Ince).
Take it we won't be needing my Preview then... But I'd go for Blackpool 1 - Hull City 2. I'm feeling good about this one!
Phil Buckingham reckons Ince & Baptiste will both feature tomorrow, having checked with his Blackpool counterpart.
I'd take a draw from this but play anything like we did on Saturday then it should be another 3 points. 1-1 or a 2-1 win for City.
Not saying it isn't true but it seems ridiculous that Baptiste would play against us if he's already agreed a deal to leave. Is Meyler available for this game assuming he doesn't get recalled? Usually these loans end on 1st Jan so does that mean it's his last day with us?
