12 games unbeaten, a Carabao Cup match at The Emirates to look forward to and fresh from a draw against form side Peterborough, things are really looking in excellent shape for the Seasiders at the moment. Terry McPhillips has supercharged Gary Bowyer’s assembled free agent and loan signings and is yet to lose a game as permanent Blackpool manager. Rochdale present a different test this weekend as they have a handful of talented players, but as of yet have not managed to translate this on to the pitch as they sit in 15th position. They will certainly be dangerous, but not as hard hitting as Peterborough were last Saturday.
Last Week for Blackpool:
29 September – Blackpool are drawn against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.
See the full Draw: https://theblackpoolblog.wixsite.com/theblackpoolblog/home/blackpool-away-at-arsenal-in-the-carabao-cup
1st October – The date for that Arsenal tie is put forward as Wednesday the 31st of October with kick off at 7.45pm.
2nd October – Blackpool struggle past Wigan in the Lancashire Senior Cup, as goals from Joe Dodoo, who headed home from close range, and Chris Mafoumbi, who found the net after a clearance from his own area, helped the Tangerines on their way. The final score is 2-1, as Kyle Joseph got a deserved consolation, but it was Blackpool who would progress.
Gazette Report: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/match-report-blackpool-fortunate-to-progress-in-lancashire-senior-cup-against-wigan-1-9377088
3rd October – Jay Spearing gains rightful recognition as he is nominated for the player of the month award in League One. His outstanding attitude, his prosperous captaincy and 3 goals, in that comeback against Bradford and the dispatch of QPR, all combined in this deserved nomination.
See full set of nominees here: https://www.efl.com/news/2018/october/player-of-the-month-september-nominees2/
4th October - Court Hearing date set for the latest episode in the Oyston saga as the 24th of October. Jimmy Ryan also had knee surgery, which manager McPhillips describes as ‘a success’, and Jordan Thompson is called up to the Northern Irish Under 21 squad.
Injuries:
Daniels returns from suspension for Blackpool, providing a headache for McPhillips. Chris Taylor and Harry Pritchard ‘have trained’ , but Jimmy Ryan and Joe Bunney remain out.
Rochdale’s first choice goalkeeper Magnus Norman is suspended having been sent off against Bristol Rovers and Zach Clough remains injured.
Rochdale AFC:
Rochdale are a side that have had a mixed start to the league campaign as, having been unbeaten in 4, their run was halted by Sunderland and Portsmouth, who both pulled off solid victories against Dale. Their manager, Keith Hill, commented on the game saying “It’s a football game - it’s us against Blackpool. We’re confident, I’m confident, I’m competent and I’m organised. The players have to respond to everything we’ve done this week and in Tuesday’s fixture with a positive performance.”
Callum Camps, former Seasider David Perkins and Ian Henderson are highlights in a squad scattered with talent, but this is yet to provide those all-important results on the pitch. Going forward is where they have prospered, scoring 1.36 on average, but defensively we find the reasoning in their current league position. They have conceded 2.09 on average which has hindered their chance of a movement up the table and causes them to struggle when they come up against a good attack. However, with Blackpool struggling in this area, it could prove tough for the Seasiders tomorrow.
Club Website: https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/
Club YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/officialrochdaleafc
Club Twitter: https://twitter.com/officiallydale
Last Meeting:
McPhillips Preview: