Blackpool vs Ipswich: Preview

I don't particularly like Ipswich Town. Nothing against them - other than the rodent who swarms our messageboard - just they always beat us.

The Seasiders haven't beaten Town in the league since 1962.

And since rejoining the second flight of English football, Simon Grayson, Tony Parkes and now Ian Holloway have all failed to overcome the Tractor Boys - losing four of the six meetings so far, with one in the cup.

But the league table suggests that 'Pool should have a decent shout tomorrow when the teams meet at Bloomfield Road.

Ollie's side sit two points behind Cardiff in the playoffs (and could it be that they see trouble before the end of the campaign both on and off the field...?) but have had trouble breaking into the top six all season long.

It's a huge game tomorrow for many reasons, but most of all if the Seasiders lose, hopes of the playoffs could fade unfortunately. With Barnsley, Middlesbrough and Coventry City hot on their heels, will 'Pool feel the heat or thrive?

Holloway on injuries: 'It's far from ideal but injuries are an occupational hazard and you can't do anything about them.

'I will be looking at the loan market, though it can't be anyone from Scotland or abroad at this stage of the season. The problem is getting someone of a good enough standard. I've made a couple of calls, but barring another manager having a complete breakdown and letting me take one of his first team, I can't see it happening.

'So I strongly think that the back four (tomorrow) will be lads already here. They know how we play.

'We've got Neal Eardley, Alex Baptiste, Rob Edwards, Andy Butler and Joe Martin available.

'I'll work with them today and we'll see how it goes.'

Stephen Crainey, Ian Evatt and Gary Taylor-Fletcher are all out through injury.

Joe Martin looks set to deputise for Crainey, with Edwards stepping in for Evatt and Hameur Bouazza likely to join the fold once again if fit. He's currently struggling with a groin injury.

The Seasiders could go with Baptiste at centre back and play Neal Eardley, or start the former Oldham man at left back, so despite the injuries, they still have options.

Likely to play through the middle, DJ will be wanting to add to his goal tally.

If played out wide, he could be ineffective. So could Holloway be the key man to watch with his team selection?

Ipswich defenders Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney are both carrying groin injuries and face late fitness tests.

Goalkeeper Richard Wright is back in contention following a knee injury.

Always a threat whether he plays out wide or up front, Walters is a class above at this level.

His direct running and good delivery will be difficult to contend with for 'Pool's makeshift backline.

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Saturday 13th March
West Brom (A)
15:00

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