PR: Blackpool vs Hull City
Our first contest was in 1906 when we won 2-1. We have met 106 times. Blackpool have won 35 times, City 40 with 31 draws. However, we haven’t beaten Blackpool since 2004.
When we topped the table on the 13th August, Boris Johnson was Prime Minister and the £ was worth $1.21 – It’s all a bit different now!
Injuries, hapless defending, fitness levels and poor tactics have combined to provide just two wins since and 26 goals conceded in just 11 games. Hull City crashing down to 21st place.
Blackpool are unbeaten in 3, with an impressive 3-1 victory over Watford and an unbelievable 3-3 draw at Bramall Lane, playing with just 9 men and ending with 8. The three now-suspended players add to Blackpool’s injury list of 6 and a glimmer of hope appears.
Oscar needs help up front. He runs his socks off every game but he’s isolated. Our defence needs to stop gifting goals the minute the opposition get a half-chance. Docherty has returned and he looked good for 45 minutes.
There are 32 games left we need 1.9 points per game to reach 75 points and the playoffs.
Or 1.12 points per game to avoid relegation.
Kevin Stewart, if fit, may make an appearance. Remember when we gifted Andy Robertson to Liverpool for £8m and then paid £4m for Kevin Stewart? Possibly the worst piece of business in Hull City’s history.
Respect to all of those travelling to Blackpool. Keep the faith and if the football is poor, at least there are the illuminations.
Prediction: Blackpool 1-2 Hull City
My starting lineup would be; Baxter; Coyle (C), Greaves, Jones, Fleming; Sinik, Pelkas, Tufan, Seri, Docherty; Oscar.
This report is written in partnership with Hull City OSC and provided by Lee J Dolman.