The Season Opener
The circus of the football season is almost upon us and who is to say what will ensue this time around. Will Sunderland continue the capitulation in a Blackpool-esque style or will they bounce straight back, will our neighbours Fleetwood excel under Joey Barton or will his management style prove to be too extreme and where will Blackpool be in 12 months time? It's an exciting prospect and something, even Blackpool fans, may be able to look forward too.
Blackpool Travel to Adam's Park on the opening day to face a newly promoted Wycombe side who, although many have written them off, may pack a bigger punch that it may appear. Over the Summer Wycombe have recruited sparingly and have a squad of just 20 currently. One of those signings, goalkeeper Ryan Alsop, will be looking to prove a point more than most as he was discarded by Blackpool last year after a string of poor performances. Other signings include those of defender Darius Charles, loanee Randell Williams and midfielder Curtis Thompson. Wycombe were also hit hard due to the recent departure of Luke O'Nien as he joined the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee. The club captain scored 7 goals in 40 appearances last year so his influence will be missed both on and off the pitch. Ainsworth's Wycombe may not have been the most active in the transfer market, but their promotion last year provides a feel good factor and the fans could be pivotal on the opening day at Adams Park.
As I say, they could be a real danger for Blackpool as last season they had a points average of 1.83per game ; although surprisingly their away form was better than their home form as their points average at home amounted to just 1.78 points. Not only this but, due to their squad being very similar to last year, there will be a unanimity about them that you just will not find in the Blackpool squad. With names such as Akinfenwa amongst their ranks too, the quality is unquestionable, and the experience is there too with the average age of the squad being 29.6 years. This could however mean that fatigue could give Blackpool an edge as Wycombe may begin to get tired and become leggy.
It's going to be a tough opener, but one that Blackpool have got a big chance in. There will likely be not many goals so I am going for a 0-1 to the Seasiders.
UTP
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