Bournemouth will be looking to strengthen their position in the top 2 as they visit Blackpool in the Championship. They played an eventful 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture back in August of last year. Dominic Solanke’s first-half brace was canceled out in the second half by James Husband and Jerry Yates.
Blackpool have failed to beat Bournemouth in their last four meetings, drawing one and losing three. Their last win against Bournemouth came in 2013.
The home side are unbeaten in their last five league games. They drew their last game 1-1 against Coventry City with Gary Madine scoring the opener for Blackpool and Viktor Gyökeres equalized in the first half.
Blackpool are now 14th on the table with 41 points. Despite being 14th on the table, they are still within reach of the knock-off spots. Nottingham Forest in 6th place are just 6 points ahead of the Tangerines.
Blackpool Championship Form: W W D W D
The visitors have started to find their feet again as they win their last two Championship games despite ending both the games with 10 men. In between the two wins, they were shocked by fifth-tier Boreham Wood in the FA Cup. Boreham knocked Bournemouth out of the FA Cup 4th round with a marginal 0-1 win.
Bournemouth’s recent 3-1 win against Birmingham brought them back in the 2nd position on the table. They are now 6 points behind league leaders Fulham and 2 points clear of Blackburn Rovers in 3rd place.
The Cherries have struggled to find consistency in their results but have somehow managed to hang on the top 2. Bournemouth signed seven players in the January transfer window which will help them seal the ticket to the Premier League.
Bournemouth Championship Form: W L L W W
Blackpool vs Bournemouth: Team news
Blackpool
The home will be hoping Richard Keough is available for selection as the defender was subbed off against Coventry due to an injury.
Luke Garbutt, Chris Maxwell, Sonny Carey, Grant Ward, and Mathew Virtue will all miss out due to injuries. CJ Hamilton will be in contention to return to the first team.
Possible Blackpool starting line-up
Daniel Grimshaw; Callum Connolly, Marvin Ekpiteta, Jordan Thorniley, Dujon Sterling; Ethan Robson, Kenneth Dougall, Owen Dale, Josh Bowler; Jerry Yates, Gary Madine
Bournemouth
Jefferson Lerma will be serving the suspension from their last game against Birmingham City. Ryan Christie also suffered a niggle in that game and will be a doubt coming into this fixture.
Robert Brady, Junior Stanislas, and Adam Smith are all set to sit this one out with injuries.
Possible Bournemouth starting line-up
Mark Travers; Jordan Zemura, Nathaniel Philipps, Lloyd Kelly, Jack Stacey; Todd Cantwell, Ben Pearson, Philip Billing; Jaidon Anthony, Jamal Lowe, Dominic Solanke.
Our prediction
Blackpool 1-2 Bournemouth
The Cherries will get a narrow win over Blackpool. This could be a very close game. Scott Parker‘s side have shown signs of inconsistencies in this season and Blackpool will not go away without a fight.
The new additions of Bournemouth will give them the edge over their opponents. In form, Solanke could prove to be vital for the away side. Bournemouth also holds a very good away record. Bournemouth will be the favorites to come away with all three points.
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