Theoretically an easy 3 points, but we didn't beat them at home, and we've just had an abysmal defensive display, so I for one won't be feeling complacent. So what to do about our back four. Same again on the basis that they can't possibly be as bad again? Fox was the best of the bunch and should be safe, so should Johnson, who shouldn't be dropped for one howler, unless there was some underlying reason for his below-par display. Solly is a concern. Either he's playing too much or the captaincy is affecting his game. He's still OK going forward, but defensively his game has lost its edge. And Ben Haim looked less solid than he has been defensively. Gomez could replace either of them, but I expect him to play RB to give Solly a break, although I'd rather see him at CB. I don't see any need to change the front six.
Tough one. I don't think we need to mix it up, it was an awful day at the office for them but they'd held their own previously (minus TBH, though he's been decent this season). Ideally I'd start Gomez, but sometimes it's good to give players another chance to restore any confidence knock. They've weakened since we last played them, which is alarming for them. Both goalscorers have left, Eagles to us, Davies to Sheff Utd. They're also not playing Joe Lewis the gk as it's clear he won't be there next season, and giving their youngster game time. It's a banana skin of a game, but it would be nothing short of poor if we don't go there and get a result. I'm confident we will. I think Eagles might get his first start funnily enough, possibly for Bulot on the left - though Luzon has gotten the best out of him since he arrived. 1-3 Watt 2, Eagles.
I can't see Solly turning out for a second gme in 4 days. Blackpool's pitch is lumpier than Reams' consistency.
For the sake of football you need to lose this one. You are safe, wouldn't it be great to see Miiiiii go down as the bottom club. Between you and us we can make it happen. TC appears to be still awol.
Do you remember, B&M, there was a poster, who used to be with us, I think he was called Eddie, who in early season predicted we wouldn't win game until Blackpool?.
I'd be completely dismayed if they beat us. They last won in January, but since then have lost more key players which is complete suicide for them. The only thing going for them is the pitch. Sad to see them like this to be honest.
If I was him, I'd be looking at the following: please log in to view this image A game like this, we should be looking to get players such as Christophe Lepoint, Simon Church and Lawrie Wilson out there, subs as early as possible, to give them some match time under their belt.
I'd prefer Gomez in the middle and Wilson at RB. Think Gomez looked too uncomfortable on the right. Otherwise, I think that's how we'll pretty much line up.
I'm going with Cheltenham-supporting mate to see them play at Portsmouth tomorrow, meaning I won't be listening. Which means we should win.
I don't see why. The discrepancy in quality and value between Man City's and Burnley's squads is at least as great as that between ours and Blackpool's. Man City had drawn 2-2 at home to Burnley. We drew 2-2 at home to Blackpool. But I wasn't intending to make a close comparison. Just pointing out that there are always shock results in football, many of them a lot stranger than Blackpool beating Charlton. In fact I think we will win. It would be a poor reflection on Luzon it we don't. I imagine he would rather be playing against a better team. He is on a hiding to nothing with this one and may not learn anything useful.. Lastly, while did you not vent your spleen on Dick Plumb instead of me? He has forecast we will lose 0-2 whereas I think we will win 2-0.
Doesn't sound great - Blackpool on top in the first 30. Twitter commentey masking it as much as they can.
You can only sympathise with them. They are turning over profit which goes in to the oystons pocket. The league should step in being honest. With Parma - they have a stay of execution as the league asked the other teams to step in - which was surprising. They should ask the Prem in particular to help finance things like the pitch at least, and fine the owners like they threatened us with last season.
