Blackpool FC v NUFC – Match Preview

The Toon take a coast to coast trip to Blackpool with eyes on a extending a record to six winning clean sheets in a row. Blackpool have won every home 2^nd tier encounter between these sides since 1897. Something has to give.

At first sight, Blackpool away would seem to be a routine fixture. Mid-table after 6 games, with a starting streak of 4 draws, there seems to be little threat. However, the last two home games have seen them beat Premier League Wigan 4-1 in the Carling Cup, followed up by a convincing 3-0 win against Coventry City in the league.

As Newcastle seek to extend the record of winning 5 league games with clean sheets, Blackpool have not failed to score at home apart from a solitary 0-0 draw with Derby. The 27 year old record of 6 games without conceding is rivalled by the hosts seeking their 100^th goal in all competitions against the Magpies.

Chris Hughton’s selection job becomes relatively easy, in trying to keep together the majority of a winning team. Harper is set to keep his place in goal to attempt to equal the 6 game unbeaten record set by Kevin Carr under Arthur Cox. The defence in front of him appears to pick itself, with Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini and Enrique.

Midfield presents a slight problem with Smith suspended following his red card in Cardiff. Options include bringing Barton in to the middle, or starting Butt for the first time in the league. With Gutierrez still likely to be out, Lovenkrands could take the wide berth on the left if not required up front and Nolan destined either to start in midfield, or push forward alongside fit again Carroll or Ranger.

Masterminding the Blackpool team is colourful character Ian Holloway, who has spent much of his managerial career around the Championship, with Plymouth, Leicester and QPR as well as Blackpool.

Holloway has a more limited range of options from which to choose, but will surely start with ever-present Californian born English goalkeeper, Paul Rachubka who has been on loan during his career to no less than 9 different clubs.

Defence is likely to largely consist of the Es, Welsh internationals Eardley and Evans alongside former Derby man, Evert, with Scottish international Crainey completing the line at left back.

Midfield contains another Newcastle supporter in the shape of Keith Southern who has now make over 200 league appearances for the Tangerines and is set to make his 250^th start in all competitions for Blackpool. More experience is provided by Jason Euell, the midfielder who was widely reported to be the intended Newcastle target of Sir Bobby, rather than Carl Cort who was actually signed.

Youthful drive comes from former Rangers man and Scottish international, Charlie Adam and Arsenal loanee, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. There is plenty in reserve including the exotically named Engishman, Ishmel Montagnac.

The lead strike force consists of veteran striker, Brett Ormerod, who played a part in the development of Andy Carroll, and injury doubt Ben Burgess who followed Shearer to Blackburn. Hameur Bouzza stands by to take his place in front of Welsh striker, Daniel Nardiello.

Referee for the occasion is another one new to Newcastle, Jonathan Moss. Blackpool supporters will be well aware that under him they have gained a mere 6 points out of 24, with one home win and 3 draws and the last away win in this league being in September 1897.

The smart money will probably chase a narrow away win, although history in this division favours the home side with four wins to one, with a goal difference of 14 in favour of Blackpool.

Newcastle at Blackpool:

P27 W7 D5 L15 F31 A63

2^ND Tier

P5 W1 D0 L4 F5 A19