Zidanes Blackpool Team News

Two bad performances in three days is not good news around Christmas and new year!! So far we have picked up only 1 point from 6 in the festive program. Mersons target of 8 points is now unreachable. If Walsall do not beat Blackpool then its time to start looking over our shoulders rather than upwards. Blackpool will fancy their chances against us, Bescot has been a happy hunting ground for them in recent years.


No new Injury problems for Walsall but expect changes. Merson will change his pack round as he grows fustrated with recent efforts. With our away record so poor there is alot more pressure on achieving home success. Mark Wright is close to fitness and will replace Daryll Taylor if fit. If Julian Bennett does not recover from illness or Daniel Fox has not recovered from his injury then Jonny Harkness or Lee Vaughan might be given a chance. They are natural left footers and have not had any christmas action so will be fresh. Craig Pead did not look comfortable in the left back position against Bradford so i doubt he will be used there again against Blackpool. He is expected to revert to his usual right back slot with Westwood dropping to the bench. In Midfield Kris Taylor could be expected to be recalled with him partnering one of Mark Kinsella or Simon Osborn. Up front Matty Fryatt will return after missing the game on Wednesday because of the birth of his first child.  Jorge Leitao will play his last game at Bescot Stadium before his move to Portugal.


Blackpool had a night off on Wednesday as their game was postponed due to the weather. The extrat rest will be seen as a boost for them. They also have no injury problems. The main danger will be Keegan Parker who is probably their best player but if he ever retires from football he could walk straight into the Great Britain Olympic Diving Squad. He has natural ability for great dives as we found out last season to our cost.


Prediction?

Well its Zidanes Birthday on New Years Eve so i am going to predict some Birthday cheer for myself rather than a dose of doom and gloom!  Walsall to win 3-0 so we can all give Jorge a great send off.