Preview: Hull v Blackpool

12 and a half weeks after the defeat at Manchester United to confirm relegation from the Premier League, Blackpool travel to Hull City in the opening Football League fixture of the season.

And they go into the 2011/12 campaign full of optimism you would hope, but that doesn't seem strictly true after Ian Holloway's first press conference, which was, to be completely honest, fairly downbeat.

However, despite losing DJ Campbell, Charlie Adam and David Vaughan, the Seasiders have recruited Barry Ferguson and Kevin Phillips, amongst others and with more to come.

So there is perhaps reason for cautious optimism (and in truth, Ollie was probably performing kidology in his presser) ahead of the game.

It should take a while for the eleven (yes, eleven…and still counting) new signings to bed themselves in to the system Pool play but the experienced heads who are likely to start will have the ability to link in with the rest of the team with ease.

Holloway said that no game in this division is predictable and that's certainly the case tomorrow night.

After seeing three big stars leave Bloomfield Road, Ian Holloway said: 'I've got to try and relish the chance to build another side that's as good as the last.'

Out: Aaron McLean, Paul McShane and Jordan Stewart.

Doubtful: Jay Simpson.

New signings Jack Hobbs and Paul McKenna look set to start.

The former PNE central midfielder is one of Hull's summer signings and looks set to operate alongside Robert Koren in the middle.

Always an eye for a pass, the three in there for the Seasiders need to pressurise at a decent tempo to regain possession.

Kevin Phillips look set to start up front with Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Billy Clarke out wide.

With Phillips probably unable to last the 90, new signing Craig Sutherland will be on the bench waiting for his chance.

Ludovic Sylvestre should team up with Barry Fergsuon in the middle of the park after impressive pre-season displays, with the latter named captain.

Alex Baptiste will partner Ian Evatt in the back four.

It will be interesting to see whether Billy Clarke takes his pre-season form into the Championship campaign.

The 23-year-old sat out last season through injury but is ready to regain his place back in the starting eleven.

To predict the game and to be in with a chance of winning Tangerine Player for 12 months, go to our Matchday Forum.

Thursday August 11, 2011.

eague Cup 1st Round

heffield Wednesday (A)

9:45

N SKY

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