This match has since been POSTPONED due to a FROZEN PITCH
As the January transfer window slams shut for another year the question remains have Blackpool made the requisite additions for a play-off push? The simple answer is that it is hard to tell. With such youth having been brought in it is a slight gamble, especially with 4 of the five having such little experience. The main positive has to be the fact that Blackpool have not lost any of their big players and to have some 5 additions in a window in which many were expecting Blackpool would simply have to limit the damage is quite unprecedented. Blackpool will travel to Accrington this weekend, a game that promises to be far from easy.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Accrington have Sam Finely out through suspension with injury doubts looming over both Ross Sykes and Liam Gibson. Blackpool will likely be without Dodoo, Guy and Howard with Spearing and Ryan certain to be out.
Accrington Stanley:
The History:
Founded just 50 years ago following the collapse of the original Accrington Stanley, Stanley are also known as 'The club that wouldn't die'. They returned to the Football League after two quick promotions, first from the the Northern Premier League in the 2002/03 season and the from the National League 3 years later, both times achieving a first place finish. The club spent over 10 seasons in League 2, but were eventually promoted last season, as they ran away with the League Two title. Accrington play their home football at the Crown Ground, currently called the Wham stadium, which has a capacity of 5,450; there is talk however of a move away in the coming seasons.
The Manager:
John Coleman has had two successful spells at Accrington Stanley as manager. As a player, Coleman predominantly played non-league football. He scored over 500 goals over his 20 year career as a striker and his final club, Ashton United, would appoint him as their manager following his retirement in 1997. It was from United that he took over at Stanley for the first time, guiding them into the football league and simultaneously becoming the club's longest serving manager. He left for Rochdale in 2012, but failed to recreate his previous successes. He would have a further two jobs before returning to Stanley at Southport, where he was for 3 years as a player, and Sligo Rovers. After rejoining in 2014, he gained promotion to League 1 last season. With over 1000 matches as a manager in total, Coleman is not short of experience, but he finds himself at the wrong end of the table so far this season.
Star men:
Billy Kee: The 28 year old Northern Irishman has been at Accrington since the summer of 2015 and played a central role in last season's promotion. He scored 25 goals last season and gave 9 assists in the league, in what was a fruitful year for him and the club. This season he has 10 goals in all competitions, but has played almost all of the league matches so far and his tiresome attitude provides a considerable problem for Blackpool to deal with.
Mark Hughes: Centre back Mark Hughes has been ever present for Stanley this year. The experienced 32 year old has played for a number of clubs in the football league, predominantly Northampton, Morecambe and Bury. He has played over 150 times for Accrington and is one of the first names down on the team sheet for Coleman.
Jordan Clark: The winger is another player who Coleman has been very loyal to so far. The 25 year old has scored 7 times and provided 7 assists this term and has played 134 times for Stanley in total. He can play on both wings and has an eye for a pass and is currently having one of his best seasons in a Stanley shirt.
Season so far:
Just 5 points clear of relegation and in 15th position, Stanley are in danger of getting dragged into a relegation scrap this season. Stanley's last league win came on boxing day as their recent slump has truly cost them, especially with them having been in the playoffs earlier in the season. Their recent poor form is likely due to their lack of goal, as they average below one goal a game, and pair this with a defence that has a tendency to leak goals and it can be understood why they are where they are. Stanley could struggle to keep out a newly refreshed Blackpool side tomorrow and more unlikely still, break down one of the toughest defences in the league, but football will remain football.
Prediction:
1-3 - I think Blackpool could get a few goals tomorrow based on their performance against Wycombe. With the added competition in attacking areas, there are further incentives for Blackpool to put in a fine attacking display on Saturday. That said, I can not see Blackpool keeping a clean sheet tomorrow, largely judging by the way they defended corners on Tuesday.
Last Meeting:
McPhillips Preview:
John O'Sullivan heads out on loan: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/820242/dundee-boss-jim-mcintyre-snaps-up-blackpools-john-osullivan-for-his-fourth-deadline-day-singing/