Blackpool vs Barnsley

The Seasiders look to get back to winning ways against Mark Robins' Barnsley side.

After a defeat and a draw in the last two fixtures, Ian Holloway's side have missed the chance to attack the top two in the Championship.

Added to that the fact the Tykes are pretty good on the road could mean Saturday throws up an engaging encounter, despite bookmakers having the home side as overwhelming favourites.

A fabulous Steve Kabba strike - his one and only in tangerine - was enough to win the fixture last season. Another loanee, Wade Small, also scored his one Blackpool goal against Simon Davey's team at Oakwell to seal three points.

Since taking over from Davey earlier this season, Robins has transformed the Yorkshire outfits fortunes - winning seven times since September, including a creditable victory over Burnley in the League Cup.

Former 'Pool loanee Adam Hammill has started to blossom properly under Robins and has added goals and assists to his energetic game and could prove to be a tricky customer to deal with.

Ian Holloway on the Ben Burgess debate: 'Surely after the other night the fans should think Ben Burgess has to be one of our best players because when he came off we didn't play half as well.

'He can't shoot from 40 yards but cut him some slack. Don't expect that from Ben - I've others who can do that.

'How does it affect morale if it happens? It's horrendous.

'If I was him I'd walk straight off and grab a few of them by the throat. Don't they understand football?'

Mark Robins on last week's wash-out at Plymouth: 'The lads feel a bit aggrieved. But they have proved that they can can come through adversity and get good results, so perhaps that feeling of frustration will fuel them even further.'

After the 1-1 draw against PKE on Monday night, Ollie may contemplate changes.

Neal Eardley is pushing for a recall to the side, whilst Barry Bannan's impressive cameo could see him get a bigger role.

Up front Jason Euell's less than impressive display could see him remain on the bench. A start for Ben Burgess would definitely show big support from the manager.

The Algerian international definitely hasn't produced his best football at Bloomfield Road as of yet.

It's only a matter of time before Bouazza takes control of games. His pace frightens teams and if he can perfect his first touch, could be a lethal weapon against the Tykes.

A bit of confusion surrounding Barnsley's team news.

Crucially for 'Pool, midfielder Anderson de Silva is suspended, despite sitting out last week's abandoned game at Home Park and thus that game didn't count.

That's fine, right?

But Nathan Doyle has been told that his yellow card picked up in that game sees him miss out tomorrow through picking up five bookings.

Argh, rules!

The full back on-loan from Stoke City is a former Seasider and will be looking to put in a good performance against his old club.

He played 7 times for 'Pool back in 2006 and instantly became a favourite among fans.

And he's already winning over the Oakwell crowd - scoring a 90th minute winner against Cardiff last time out.

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Middlesbrough Away
December 8 2009
19:45

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