Blackpool v Cardiff Preview

Posted on | August 14, 2009 | No Comments

Both of these sides have started the season in relatively positive fashion, with Blackpool recording a hard earned draw against QPR while Cardiff thumped Scunthorpe 4-0. That result for the Bluebirds has put them top of the league and considering the amount of quality they posses in their squad, you’d have to class them as favorites for this game.

Blackpool have gone through wholesale changes this summer and that’s mainly due to the fact that last season, most of their players were only on loan. That’s meant that new manager Ian Holloway has had to work quickly to build a new squad and all of that’s been done on a budget.  Other than record signing Charlie Adam, all of his other recruits have been brought in for pittance or on a free transfer. That has resulted in many bookies tipping the Seasiders for the drop, but that’s something the club have come become used to over the years. They were pitted against big spending QPR last weekend and once again, they caused something of a surprise when they came away with a 1-1 draw. During the week they beat League Two side Crewe 2-1 in the Carling Cup, meaning that ‘Ollie’ is probably reasonably satisfied with how the new campaign has started.

Many Cardiff supporters were infuriated on the final day of the last campaign after their team well and truly fluffed their chance of the play offs. However, it looks like they have responded and after recording a convincing 4-0 victory over relegation-favorites Scunthorpe, the Bluebirds sit top of the league after one game. Much has been made of the fact that Dave Jones only has three first team strikers available yet at the moment; his team certainly don’t have any problems in front of goal. They scored another three as they brushed past Dagenham and Redbridge in the Carling Cup midweek and if they can stay injury free, who knows how far they can go this season.

As for team news, Blackpool just have the one absentee as Danny Coid prepares to sit out due to a fractured tibia. Ben Burgess should return from a knee problem, while Charlie Adam and Paul Rachubka will return to the fold having been rested for the Carling Cup game. Dave Jones has two problems as Mark Kennedy and Kevin McNaughton continue to struggle with their injuries. However, after recovering from illness, Chris Burke should be available for selection.

All of the stats suggest the safest prediction for this one is a draw. Blackpool have a poor record over Cardiff, yet the Bluebirds have always struggled for victories whenever they’ve played at Bloomfield Road. With that, we’ll go for the 2-2 draw.

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5. Blackpool v Birmingham Preview

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