Still not ready

By Paddy
December 17 2008

In what is likely to be a stern test for the Seasiders, the second Welsh team of the season make the journey to Bloomfield Road. Swansea currently sit mid table after a good start to the season, but have drawn their last 5, and will be looking for a win against The Seasiders.

The home side will still be without the injured trio of Jermaine Wright, Stephen Crainey and Stephen McPhee, but Daniel Nardiello is likely to be on the bench after a hamstring injury, but he won't play in the reserves midweek due to illness. Blackpool are waiting on the fitness of skipper Rob Edwards, who went off with an injury in the goalless draw at Notts Forest last week, and are set to recall Ian Evatt to the back line, who missed out the game at the City Ground due to suspension. David Fox is likely to retain his place in the heart of midfield alongside Keith Southern, as Lee Hendrie is still suspended.

Likely Line-Up:

Rachubka

Barker Evatt Edwards Martin

Hammill Southern Fox Reid

Dickinson Burgess

Subs: Baptiste, Coid, Jorgensen, Nardiello, Gow

Swansea are slipping into a minor full back crisis, as loanee Stephen O'Halloran was forced off last time out with ligament damage, joining fellow left back Marcos Painter on the season-long sidelines. Ferrie Bodde will also be out for a while for the Swans,the man who scored a 40-yard screamer at neighbours Preston is likely to be out until March. Having drawn their last 5, Swansea will be looking to capitalise on poor home form from the Seasiders, which has led to the Pool only winning 3 of their home games so far this season. Jason Scotland, last season's top scorer, is likely to start up front with Guillem Bauza.

Danger Man: Leon Britton-The sharp winger was a thorn in Blackpol's side whenever the sides met in League 1, and is sure to give Joe Martin one of his toughest tests since breaking into the side. A good crosser, pacy and a good finish give Britton all the attributes to be an important player for the Swans for years to come, and with big clubs having a look at him, it may be tough for the Jacks to keep hold of their key player.

Likely Line Up:

De Vries

 Rangel Monk Williams Tate

Gomez Britton Pratley Butler

Bauza Scotland

Last Time We Met: Last time these two sides clashed, it was a thriller on the final scheduled day of the 06/07 campaign, which saw Swansea needing to win to reach the playoffs, and Blackpool needing to win to be in with a chanc of automatic promotion. Swansea led early on through Izzy Iriekpen, but it was cancelled out due to a cheeky lob from Andy Morrell and a thumping strike from Keigna Parker. In the second half, Swansea fought back, and despite Lee Trundle missing a penalty, he then scored a spectacular volley on the turn, before Iriekpen made it 3-2 due to a mistake by Pool keeper Joe Hart. Morrell then bagged 3 more for Pool to put them out of sight at 5-3, his 4th goal a magnificent volley over Willy Gueret from a long ball by Hart, and then Keigna Parker rounded off the scoring with a thunderbolt from 25 yards.

Last Time they visited: Last time the Swans came to Pool was in the same season, seeing a 1-1 draw. An own goal by Carl Dickinson from a Lee Trundle free kick gave the visitors the lead just before half time. Blackpool pressed in the second half, and Scott Vernon latched onto a Wes Hoolahan through ball and slotted the ball past Gueret for a dramatic equaliser.

Prediction: Blackpool 2-1 Swansea City

Pool in big game at Bloomers

Discussion started by Tangerine-Planet.co.uk (IP Logged), 17/12/2008 18:39

Tangerine-Planet.co.uk
17/12/2008 18:39

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