Preview: 'Pool v Watford

After all the hype over our forthcoming FA Cup clash against neighbours Fleetwood, you could be forgiven for forgetting that we have a home game against Watford this weekend in the league.

The Hornets are perched a few places and a few points above the drop zone. Meanwhile, 'Pool have the opportunity to tuck themselves in right behind the playoffs going into Christmas if they record a win in their last home game of the year.

Ludovic Sylvestre has thanked Elliot Grandin for helping him to settle into life at Blackpool.

After patiently waiting over a year for his opportunity in the side, Ludo has become a real fans' favourite:

'It is great now and I am really happy because playing football on a regular basis is all I ever wanted to do.

'I feel like I'm properly part of the team now and that makes you feel better off-the-pitch as well.

'But it wasn't easy in the first year and Elliot helped me through that.

'He helped me a lot when I was out of the team and in the last couple of months, while he has been injured, I've been able to help him.

'It is an important friendship to me and the good thing is that Elliot (who has missed the last three months with a foot problem) is training with us now and will soon be playing again.

'It hasn't been an easy few months for him but I have tried to help him. He is feeling good again and when he is ready and comes back in, he will be very important to us because he is a very good player.'

Alex Baptiste could face a late fitness test, although Ian Holloway may not risk him.

Keith Southern is still weeks away from a return.

'Pool's most consistent player since his arrival on loan from Wigan; expect another sparkling display on Saturday.

Sean Dyche may elect to stick with the same XI who drew with Leeds last time out.

Been below par for a while now, but Loach is well capable of pulling off save after save.

'Pool wins: 4

raws: 7

atford wins: 6

Biggest 'Pool win: Blackpool 5-0 Watford (January 1st 1972).

Away at Barnsley on Boxing Day.

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