It has been a long time coming, almost 10 years, but Blackpool have finally reached the 3rd round of the League Cup for the first time since 2009. Blackpool face a QPR side, including the familiar face of talent Bright Osayi-Samuel, who have been stalling their engine so far this season as they have failed to really get going. They currently sit in 16th and have failed to experience an upturn in results following the departure of Ian Holloway and will hope the cup is a way to change those fortunes.
Injuries and suspensions:
Blackpool will be without Daniels, as he completes his 3 match ban, along with both Max Clayton and Jimmy Ryan who are both out injured. There is a possibility that Harry Pritchard may return from injury, although his services may be limited to the bench.
QPR will have three out injured, with Furlong, Goss and Shodipo all on the treatment table, although former Seasiders Joe Lumley, Alex Baptiste and Bright Osayi-Samuel each having a chance at being in the first 11.
Queens Park Rangers:
Steve McLaren's return to management has got off to an underwhelming start with just 3 League wins to his name so far and a 7-1 thumping at the Hawthorns a huge blow to squad confidence just 3 games in. It is fair to say they have struggled, but it has not been complete capitulation and their run in this Cup Competition, like Blackpool, can not do any harm to their confidence in the League.
They entertain Blackpool off the back of a slender 0-1 loss against Norwich on Saturday, a game that could have easily gone either way judging by the stats, and they will be in confident mood going into Tuesday and will expect it as a formality that they progress.
QPR are a real threat going forward with the experience of Hemed and Wells, on loan from Brighton and Burnley respectively, but the stats seemingly do not agree with this. They have scored less that a goal per game, at 0.78, and have found the odd goal tough to come by. Not only this but the defence is not doing its job either, as they have conceded 1.67 goals per game on average, however this will have been boosted by the anomaly that was West Bromwich Albion.
It goes to show that the Championship is more competitive and tougher than ever and even with experience and talent intertwined within your squad, sometimes this is not enough.
I am sure QPR will improve as the season progresses however.
Squad: http://www.worldfootball.com/t/111/england/queens-park-rangers-fc/squad
Stats: https://footystats.org/clubs/england/queens-park-rangers-fc
Club Website: https://www.qpr.co.uk/
Last Meeting:
Prediction and Betting: 0-0 Blackpool Win On Penalties
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/efl-cup/blackpool-v-qpr/winner
Buy Tickets: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/qpr/EDP/Event/Index/2826?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Web_Story&utm_campaign=Blackpool_Away_Tix
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