50 years on from Stoke’s league cup final win over Chelsea, the bet365 Stadium should be full of supporters willing to show support to the team of 72. 

Blackpool are the side that visit this weekend sitting just one point and one place above Stoke have won 4-1 against Reading last Saturday.

Stoke haven’t won a home fixture against Blackpool since 2009, with O’Neill having an almost fully fit squad for the first time in what seems like ages, Stoke should be aiming to show the fans that despite our league position we still have something to play for this season, even if that is just pride.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Saturdays fixture will be the 74th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 31

Draws 20

Blackpool wins 22

The last meeting 

Stoke won the away fixture this season 1-0, it was a tight game with Steven Fletcher scoring a late winner

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 2-2 Birmingham 

Stoke 1-2 Luton

Bournemouth 2-1 Stoke

Palace 2-1 Stoke(cup)

Blackpool

Blackpool 1-2 Bournemouth 

Cardiff 1-1 Blackpool 

QPR 2-1 Blackpool

Blackpool 4-1

Who’s the threat

Blackpool don’t really have any stand out names but as a unit they all play as a unit. Probably the most well known player is Gary Madine. Top scorer Shayne Lavery should be known by O’Neill as he gave Shayne his international debut while manager of Northern Ireland

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Morgan Fox serves his second of the three match ban he got for no reason so it’s likely Tymon would of started anyway after his brilliant display against Crystal Palace. All the midweek cuptied players are back so the starting XI could look a bit different to that that went Selhurst Park

What is your score Prediction?