A division between Blackpool supporters is far from anything new, but this week has proved as divided as ever. With the receiver, Paul Cooper, reportedly not having full control of finances until next week, it has been hotly contested and disputed as to whether a return to Bloomfield Road is feasible. The general consensus is that of coming back unified against Southend, but a bigger crowd than usual is expected this Saturday. It seems possible to almost forget that on the pitch Blackpool remain in contention for the playoffs and Oxford provide just the opportunity to strengthen this claim.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Blackpool will welcome the return of Jay Spearing and Jordan Thompson for Saturday, but still have an extensive list of injuries.
Marc Bola is doubtful, with Callum Guy, Max Clayton and Jimmy Ryan all out.
Matty Virtue could also return to the 18.
Oxford will be without Robert Hall, Jonathan Obika and Shandon Baptiste, however will likely see the return of Gavin Whyte.
Cameron Brannagan is suspended for Oxford,
The History:
Founded in 1893, Oxford's proudest moment would be winning the League Cup in 1985-86. The U's also finished 2nd in the Football League Trophy in two consecutive seasons and the first time they got this far in the 2016/17 season, they simultaneously achieved promotion to League One. They have struggled since that promotion though, finishing 16th last season and failing to do much better so far this year. Oxford play their home football at the 12,500 capacity Kassam Stadium, a place that Blackpool will not have fond memories of, after Blackpool fell to a rather conclusive 2-0 defeat.
The Manager:
Karl Robinson, who coincidentally spent part of his youth career at Blackpool, spent his playing career in non-league. He predominantly played as a striker, but could also be deployed in midfield and was known for his powerful nature.
Robinson has been more successful as a manager and coach and began he coaching career at Liverpool youth. He would then move on to being a coach at Blackburn before being appointed in his first managers position in 2010 at MK Dons. He succeeded former Pool manager Paul Ince after being his assistant and, at just 29 years old, he became the youngest manager across the entire EFL. He led MK Dons to the Championship in 2015, but following relegation and a poor start to the next season he was sacked. He oversaw 346 matches at the club, in which he guided them to the Championship for the first time, and this led to his next job at Charlton. There he lasted less than two seasons, eventually departing by mutual consent, before joining Oxford in March 2018.
Star Men:
Simon Eastwood:
Goalkeeper Simon Eastwood has been first choice for Robinson this season, keeping 9 clean sheets. In total the 29 year old has played 144 times for Oxford and also for Blackburn, Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and Portsmouth. He is a solid shot stopper and has 13 games of Championship experience.
Robert Dickie:
Just 22 years of age and playing 38 matches so far, Dickie has stood out for Oxford this season. The centre back has broken through and has become essential to Oxford's back lines. The Englishman has also played for Cheltenham, Lincoln and Reading and will be making life difficult for Blackpool going forward on Saturday.
Stats:
Currently one point from safety and firmly in the bottom 4, Oxford are in desperate need of any sort of momentum. They have won just 21% of matches overall and have failed to win away from home all season. Between October and December they put something of a run together, but have simply drawn too many, drawing 12 in total.
Despite their poor form in the league, they have made it to the third round in both the FA Cup, where they were defeated by Brentford, and in the Carabao Cup, where Manchester City saw them off. Their problems lie with their amount of goals they are shipping, conceding 1.58 on average, but with Blackpool having goal scoring issues of their own, it make the game on paper rather unpredictable.
It is imperative Blackpool take all three points, especially as we enter the business end of the season.
Last Meeting:
McPhillips Preview:
Spearing speaks on his return:
Prediction 2-1:
I think it will be another tight match, but Blackpool's quality will likely help them overcome Oxford. With Spearing back too, Blackpool may have to fight hard at times, but 3 points is likely, especially due to their importance in staying in touch. Blackpool matches this season fail to ever really be expansive or open, so I think Blackpool will edge it by the odd goal.