Blackpool v Watford Preview
Posted on | February 20, 2009 | No Comments
There are a few relegation battles this weekend and it’s safe to say that this fixture falls right into that category. In their current positions, both of these sides will be happy if they remain in this league with Blackpool sitting in 17th while Watford are a few places lower in 21st. Both have also lost their managers this season so it’s certainly been a campaign of turmoil for the two sides.
No matter what anyone says, should Blackpool remain in this division for another season they’ll have done exceptionally well. Operating under perhaps the smallest budget in the division, Simon Grayson worked wonders to take them to the Championship and did an even better job in keeping them there. Under caretaker Tony Parkes things are still going quite well, although it’s plain to see that gradually the Seasiders are slipping closer to the bottom three. After a 2-0 win over Birmingham a few weeks ago, it was thought that Blackpool’s relegation woes were over and they would continue to march up the league. However, recent results haven’t been promising and having been beaten 3-0 by QPR, 3-2 by Doncaster and 4-1 to Derby, it’s clear that the Seasiders still need plenty of points to improve their six point cushion from the drop zone.
As for Watford, Brendan Rodgers’ start as manager perhaps hasn’t gone as well as he’d have liked with the Hornets in a similar position to when he took over. The aim this season surely must be to stay up, but with the Vicarage Road side sat just one place and one point above the drop zone, it could be an almighty struggle. However, recent form has been fairly good and Rodgers’ men have recorded some very good results. On Tuesday they defied the odds and beat Swansea 2-0, while they also have results like a 3-0 victory over Burnley to their name. However, there have been some bad scores thrown in there as well and with this game being against relegation contenders, it’s essential they at least pick up a point.
Blackpool have a few concerns heading into this one with Ben Burgess, Keith Southern and Steve McPhee all out through injuries. With Charlie Adam serving a suspension following his red card last week, it means that Tony Parkes has some reshuffling to do. There’s only two potential problems for visitors Watford with Lee Williamson and Ross Jenkins both doubtful. Both picked up injuries against Swansea on Tuesday and Brendan Rodgers claims its touch and go.
In terms of a prediction, we’re going to go with the home win. The Seasiders may have lost their last two at Bloomfield Road yet before that they were fairly solid and we think they’ve got enough to overcome this Watford side – 2-1 Blackpool.
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