Before this season’s penultimate round of games, Oxford United and Lincoln City are also ahead of the Fylde Coast team. The U’s have 73 points at the moment, the Imps have 71, and Blackpool has 70. Both teams also have a better goal differential.
Due to recent injuries, midfielders Luca Connell and Jon Russell are both questionable for the weekend. Robbie Cundy is almost ready to make a comeback after missing a season due to a thigh injury, but January signing and USA defender Donovan Pines is sidelined for the whole campaign. Josh Benson is unlikely to play this season due to yet another setback in his injury.
(3-5-2) Roberts; Williams, de Gevigney, Earl; O’Keeffe, Phillips, Kane, Grant, Cadden; McAtee, Cole.
Phillips can sometimes move up into a front three to make a 3-4-3.
After losing a 2-0 lead against Bolton, Barnsley appeared like a lock for second place last month, but they have since fallen into the struggle to make the playoffs.
Nine points from ten games is all they have, they are giving up far too many goals due to defensive blunders, and many of their overall performances have been quite poor.
After setting a club record for points scored on the road, they were far superior against Portsmouth on Tuesday and appeared to be winning until a late implosion resulted in a third consecutive away loss.
While Barnsley made the long trip to the South Coast and lost badly, Blackpool will have had a week off. The game might be quite close, but the Reds are currently having a lot of trouble achieving outcomes, so their fight for a play-off spot might very well continue until the very end.
The Luton loanee, who has 14 goals, including one at Blackpool in the EFL Trophy, relentless pressing, and some genuine creativity, is a major attacking force for the Reds. He had a mixed night at Portsmouth, scoring but missing another big chance and giving away the penalty that changed the game.
Midweek saw his striking partner Devante Cole score his 18th goal of the season, snapping a 14-game goalless streak.
