Blackpool v Coventry City - Match Preview

Blackpool will be looking to build on Wednesday night's 4-1 hammering of Wigan in the Carling Cup by recording their first league win of the campaign against Chris Coleman's Coventry tomorrow afternoon at Bloomfield Road.

Everyone connected with the Seasiders will be hoping it's not a case of 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' as anything less than a win might just start to create a few nerves down by the seaside.

Coventry do not have a particularly good record at Bloomfield Road and have tailed off after winning their first two league games, being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Hartlepool and losing to Swansea last time out in the league.

Nevertheless, Coleman's side are defying the critics somewhat thus far and will provide a difficult challenge for Ian Holloway's men.

Chris Coleman:

'We tried to go for it but didn't really trouble Swansea enough so now we'll have to see how we can improve at Blackpool.'

Ian Holloway (after several fringe players impressed on Wednesday night):

'Some of those who came in have absolutely screamed at me 'I want to play in your team' on Saturday. So now I have a decision to make.'

Stephen McPhee, Danny Coid and Daniel Nardiello remain long-term absentees. Ishmel Demontagnac misses out after picking up an injury in the Wigan game, but Ben Burgess returns to the fold after coming through the same game unscathed. Alex Baptiste may miss out with an eye injury, but Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is available again after being refused permission from Arsenal to play midweek.

The Welsh international has impressed since his move from Oldham, and seems to have made the right back spot his already with a series of good displays. As good going forward as he is defensively, he fits into Holloway's system perfectly. Can deliver a very good cross as well, meaning that the Seasiders finally look a threat from corners.

Defender Ben Turner should be fit despite hamstring problems during the week, whilst Leon McKenzie should be fit enough to at least make the bench following a spell on the sidelines through a ruptured Achilles. Freddy Eastwood is pushing for a start.

If the striker starts, then the Seasiders defence may be in for a busy afternoon: the frontman has a great scoring record against the 'Pool.

Last season the game ended 1-1. It was the first time Coventry had drawn a league game at Bloomfield Road.

All of Ian Holloway's league matches in charge of Blackpool have ended in draws and another would equal a club-record of five consecutive draws set in the 1976-77 season.

Coventry have only won once at Bloomfield Road... 86 years ago!


Blackpool are unbeaten in nine matches

Alex Baptiste will make his 100th career league appearance if he plays.

Coventry goalkeeper Kieran Westwood will make his 200th club career appearance.

12th September 2009: Leicester City v Blackpool (3pm)

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