Can 'Pool Plough Tractors?

Simon Grayson's Blackpool side start their run of tricky, and possibly season defining, fixtures with the visit of Ipswich Town at Bloomfield Road.

Jim Magilton's team have bucked last seasons trend of performing abysmally away from home this campaign, picking up nine points on their travels - a stark contrast to the club which only won its first away game in February!

They possess quality all over the pitch, and with the loan signings of Jon Stead and Moritz Volz, look a good bet for a playoff place.

The young Irish gaffer Magilton, hasn't spent that much money in the summer. Kevin Lisbie was bought from rivals colchester United for £600k - a fee totally recouped with the sale of target man Alan Lee to Crystal Palace. Richard Wright was snapped up on a freebie and keeps goal. So too were Ivan Campo and Ben Thatcher - big names indeed.

However, 'Pool shouldn't be overawed by their opponents. Last season's game at home saw The Seasiders come away from the ground extremely unlucky not to have taken all three points.

Jim Magilton has this week praised Larry on his tenure at Blackpool.

'Simon has done a magnificent job at Blackpool. He deserves a lot of credit for what he has achieved there' said the Town boss.

Steve Kabba might be fit for the game, but Daniel Nardiello and Stephen Crainey both look set to be out of action for sometime.

Danny Coid will continue at left back, with Mo Camara on the bench again.

Claus Jorgensen and Keith Southern - despite their doubters - are likely to continue in the middle of midfield.

The right back has found The Championship a relatively tricky league this season so far, and has struggled with fitness to begin with. However, since his fitness has improved the performances have started to flow.

Last time out Town defeated mangerless QPR 2-0 at Portman road, so it is unlikely that there will be much difference in the line up.

Likely Ipswich Eleven:

Ipswich: Richard Wright, Volz, McAuley, Naylor, David Wright, Norris, Sumulikoski, Garvan, Quinn, Walters, Stead

Last season Walters was a thorn in the sides of all Championship clubs, and although his goalscoring form hasn't quite replicated itself as of yet for The Tractor Boys, it is only a matter of time before he finds his golden touch once again.

Hopefully it's not Saturday!

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Click here to read aboput the referee, Colin Webster.

Blackpool vs Preston Knob End;
16th November 2008;
13:00

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