Stoke make the trip on a Wednesday night to Blackpool, hopefully not just to view the lights but actually win a game of football.

Stoke have had a horrible run of results, all of which have been our own making. Stoke have lead in 3 of the last 4 league games, we have gone one to lose all four of them due to not reacting to opposing teams changes during the game.

Blackpool on the other hand have moved up into playoff contention on the sly. Nobody has really kept an eye on the seaside outfit and they have only lost 2 of the last 10 games, winning 7 in the process. 

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Saturday’s fixture will be the 73rd meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 30

Draws 20

Blackpool wins 22

The last meeting

The last League meeting versus Blackpool was a 0-0 drew at Bloomfield rd. Both sides have dropped since that fixture which took place in the Premier league back in 2011. In fact Charlie Adam was still a Blackpool player at the time. 

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 0-1 Bournemouth 

Millwall 2-1 Stoke

Stoke 1-2 Brentford 

Stoke 3-3 Cardiff

Blackpool

Forest 2-1 Blackpool

Reading 2-3 Blackpool

Blackpool 2-0 Preston

Sheff United 0-1 Blackpool 

Who’s the threat

Blackpool don’t have any household names though they are collectively a decent outfit. Blackpool’s top scorer Jerry Yates has 5 goals to his name so far. One player some may know is ex Bolton striker Gary Madine who’s physically strong and could cause problems for Chester if played.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Clucas will still be missing for the game, Abdullah Sima now has a groin problem so will miss the game. Morgan Fox has trained but I’d say he won’t be risked.

The starting XI I doubt will be much different from the side that went 3-0 up against Cardiff. We fell apart in that game not due to personal but tactics when Cardiff changed and started to gain possession. Stoke’s in game reactions both of manager and players has been well below what’s needed and has cost us at least 9 points so far.

it will be interesting if O’Neill sticks with his back 3 or reverts to a back 4

What is your score Prediction?