Two teams who are not in the best of form of late but have everything to play for will meet at Bloomfield Road as Blackpool take on Millwall in the Championship on Friday night.
The Tangerines sit second from bottom in the standings but can still avoid relegation this season, despite having just two games left to play. Stephen Dobbie’s side are three points off escaping the drop zone and whilst teams above them still have games in hand, it is not over yet. A 1-0 win away to Birmingham last time out handed Blackpool a significant boost ahead of their final couple of games and the Seasiders have actually won two out of their last three outings. Nevertheless, a run of four straight defeats in their matches prior leaves them in grave danger of returning to League One.
Conversely, the Lions are fighting for a place in the play-offs and a potential spot in the top flight next term. However, Gary Rowett’s men have come into poor form at the wrong time and recent form that has seen them register just one win in their last seven doesn’t bode well for them. Millwall head into this one on the back of consecutive defeats too - 2-1 away to bottom-of-the-league Wigan and 1-0 at home to Birmingham. Nevertheless, they are still within touching distance of the top six and sit level on points with Sunderland who currently occupy the final play-off spot. Victory is vital.
It’s the visitors who enter the clash in the best head-to-head form having won three out of the last five encounters. They recorded a 2-1 win at the Den in the reverse fixture earlier this season with Zian Flemming and Benik Afobe getting on the scoresheet. Blackpool’s last win over Millwall actually came in this fixture last season as a goal from Shayne Lavery secured a 1-0 victory. However, it is unlikely that Lavery will be able to help his side this time around since he is continuing in his recovery from long-term injury.
Tom Bradshaw and Flemming have been the key players for the away side so far this term, accounting for a total of 29 league goals for Millwall thus far in the league. However, they have scored just two goals between them in their last seven games so aren’t in the best of form. Jerry Yates is the leading goalscorer for the hosts this season but he is facing a late fitness test ahead of the match-up.
It has been confirmed that Blackpool will be without Ian Poveda, Gary Madine and Jake Beesley who have all been ruled out for the rest of the season. Tom Trybull should be available, however, after his recent return to the squad. Keshi Anderson is also facing a late fitness test so he could become available, likewise with defender Jordan Thorniley. The long list of absentees continues though as Marvin Ekpiteta, Kevin Stewart, Liam Bridcutt and Charlie Goode are not expected to feature.
Millwall are also dealing with a host of selection issues, nonetheless, with Charlie Cresswell, Murray Wallace and George Honeyman all ruled out, whilst midfielder Ryan Leonard is facing a late fitness test ahead of the trip, alongside George Saville.
Viewers can witness the crucial Championship drama live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and via the Sky Go App.
Expert Insight: Interestingly, both teams rank low in terms of bookings this term, despite Blackpool struggling to keep their men on the pitch, picking up the most red cards in the division by quite some margin. Both teams are desperate for a victory towards their respective goals so that could leave the match open for an enticing affair.
Championship