Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Blackpool – English Premier League Preview
A relegation battle for the ages is set to ensue at the Molineaux Stadium on Saturday evening as Wanderers host Blackpool FC. Let’s take a look at how both the teams will line up for their do or die match in the English Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
This season, Mick McCarthy’s team, has shown that they have what it takes to punch above their weight in big matches against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United but Wanderers have faltered against some of the lesser known sides in the English Premier League. When Blackpool visit the Molineaux Stadium on 26th of February, the match will once again be a big one but the opposition is someone that Wanderers will be looking to get all three points against regardless of their mediocre status.
In their last five competitive fixtures, Wanderers have secured just a single win against Manchester United whereas their last four matches have resulted in three losses and one draw. Therefore it is safe to say that their form, heading into this crucial encounter against Blackpool, is patchy to say the least.
Other than that the Wanderers are also quite leaky in their defense. They have already conceded 46 goals in a total of 27 matches in the English Premier League which means that Mick McCarthy’s team concedes an average of around 1.7 goals per game, something that needs to change as soon as possible.
Blackpool
Ian Holloway’s men won their mid-week encounter against Tottenham by three goals to one. Thus, they are on a high spiritual course at the moment. However, when the Seasiders take on Wolverhampton Wanderers, Holloway will be gunning for all three points as his main priority is to retain Blackpool’s Premier League status for another season.
Out of their last five competitive matches, Blackpool have won one, drawn one and lost three. That only win in question came against Tottenham but the Seasiders do have a remarkable away record in the 2010-2011 Premier League season. Holloway’s team have accumulated five wins while drawing two and losing seven of their total 14 away matches so far. A win against Wolverhampton will work wonders for the Seasiders but such a task is easier said than done.
Team News
Wolverhampton has several injury concerns. Mick McCarthy’s men are set to be without their defender Ronald Zubar who has an ankle injury. Michael Kightly and Adlene Guedioura are also expected to miss the encounter against Blackpool with knee and leg injuries respectively. Stephen Hunt is also sidelined for the time being due to his calf injury.
Expected Wolverhampton Wanderers line up: Wayne Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Christophe Berra, George Elokobi, Hammill, Karl Henry, Nenad Miljas, Matt Jarvis, Jamie O'Hara, Kevin Doyle.
Blackpool is without their first choice goalkeeper, Matthew Gilks, and their second choice shot stopper, Stephen Crainey, as well. Thus, Ian Holloway is set to entrust Richard Kingston as his team’s goalkeeper. The Seasiders are also pondering on the possible debut of their star striker, Sergei Kornilenko. Other than that, they have no special injury concerns as most of their squad is fully fit for the relegation decider against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Expected Blackpool Line up: Richard Kingson, Neal Eardley, Craig Cathcart, Ian Evatt, Ludovic Sylvestre, Taylor-Fletcher, Charlie Adam, Vaughan, Matt Phillips, DJ Campbell, Sergei Kornilenko
Key Players
Wolverhampton will be counting on their tricky winger Matt Jarvis to come up with the goods against Blackpool on Saturday night. The English midfielder has done remarkably well with Wanderers in the 2010-2011 season. He has been a constant source of threat down the left wing for every opposition which visits the Molineaux stadium. One can expect him to be heavily involved in Wolverhampton’s build up play against Blackpool.
Alternatively, Blackpool will be banking on Charlie Adam to work his magic in the midfield area for the Seasiders. Ian Holloway’s special midfielder choose to remain at Blackpool in the winter transfer window and his corner kick routines have become a specific feature of Blackpool’s set pieces in the 2010-2011 Premier League season. He is expected to grace the fact sheet on Saturday with an assist or two as the relegation battle heats up at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Prediction
Despite all the hunger and drive in Wolverhampton’s ranks, there is a special dearth of quality in Mick McCarthy’s team. On the other hand, Blackpool have some technically gifted players in their squad which will be significant to their bid to retain their English Premier League status. Prediction: 1-2 to Blackpool.
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