Blackpool v West Ham Preview

Posted on | February 21, 2012 | No Comments

With both of these sides suffering relegation from the Premiership last term, it should be no surprise to see that both are challenging for a return to the top flight. Considering the resources that are available to West Ham, the Hammers are performing exactly as everyone expected as they occupy 2nd place in the division. Blackpool on the other hand have come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks and sit in a strong playoff position in 5th place.

Nobody could argue that the opening months of this campaign were a struggle for Blackpool, who appeared to experience difficulties in matching the pace of the Championship again. However, in recent times Ian Holloway seems to have found the right formula for the Seasiders, with the club making a surge into the top six and becoming a real promotion threat. The Bloomfield Road outfit possess some of the best form in the division at the time of writing, as they approach this clash having lost just one of their last eleven. Furthermore, having won four of their last five in the league, the Seasiders aren’t simply putting a run together through drawing. With the club also holding a nine game unbeaten run at Bloomfield Road, this is another record that they can be proud of as they approach this encounter.

West Ham on the other hand will be slightly frustrated, after the Hammers managed to claw themselves to the top of the league only to lose top spot following their postponement last week. That allowed Southampton to leapfrog them although with the Upton Park outfit holding two games in hand and trailing Saints by just two points, everything is still completely in their own hands. Their supporters will be very confident considering recent form as well, with Sam Allardyce’s men losing just one of their last six in the Championship. On a sour note, there is no doubt that improvements are required away from home, with the Hammers losing four of their last six on the road.

Blackpool have been handed a huge boost ahead of this game with in-form striker Matt Phillips poised to return after shaking off a hamstring problem. However, it’s not all positive for the Seasiders, with Alex Baptiste and Gary Taylor-Fletcher set to miss out as they struggle with injury. West Ham aren’t without their problems though, with Papa Bouba Diop out with a hamstring issue while suspension will prevent Matt Taylor and Kevin Nolan from featuring. Sam Allardyce will be able to select Guy Demel though, after he recovered from a thigh injury.

In terms of a prediction, our tip is going to be for the Blackpool victory. The Seasiders are in very good form at the moment and considering West Ham’s dismal away record, we expect Ian Holloway’s side to record a 2-0 win.

Related posts:

1. West Brom v Reading Preview
2. Reading v West Brom Preview
3. Blackpool v Doncaster Preview
4. Ipswich v West Ham Preview
5. West Ham v Southampton Preview

Comments