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Blackpool
Championship
May 2, 2015 at 12.15pm UK
 
Huddersfield logo

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Preview: Blackpool vs. Huddersfield Town

Sports Mole previews the Championship clash between already-relegated Blackpool and Huddersfield Town.

Blackpool will be looking to end a torrid season on a high with a rare Championship victory against Huddersfield Town at a potentially fiery Bloomfield Road.

However, an upturn in form has seen the Terriers climb the table and they could look to finish with a flourish themselves against the Tangerines.



Blackpool

Supporters of Blackpool protest against chairman Karl Oyston at the beginning of the second half during the Sky Bet Championship match between against Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road on October 3, 2014© Getty Images

Relegation was confirmed at the start of the month for Blackpool, but their slide into League One has looked inevitable since the start of the season.

On occasions, the Tangerines have even struggled to put out a full matchday squad of senior players while chairman Karl Oyston has continually taken flak for his running of the club.

However, Oyston has risked upsetting the fans further with the removal of the statue of Stan Mortensen outside the ground, where supporters were planning to lay memorabilia to mark the 62 years since his famous FA Cup final hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers.

Defeat at Cardiff last week meant that the Seasiders have failed to register an away league victory for the first time since the 1908-09 season and their home form is little better.

Four wins at Bloomfield Road all season have helped contribute to Blackpool's descent into English football's third tier – four years after playing in the Premier League.

Despite picking up their four victories on home soil, the Fylde outfit have scored half as many goals (18) in front of their fans as they have on the road (36). Only Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer at home this season.

Recent form: DDLLLL



Huddersfield Town

Manager Chris Powell of Huddersfield Town gestures during Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Huddersfield Town at Elland Road Stadium on September 20, 2014© Getty Images

Huddersfield have become a difficult side to beat in recent weeks, and have gradually climbed the Championship table.

At the start of the season, they were hammered by Bournemouth and quickly dispensed with the services of then boss Mark Robins, who was succeeded by Chris Powell.

Now, Powell's side are unbeaten in their last six games, but have drawn their last three, including an enthralling 4-4 draw with playoff-chasing Derby at the John Smith's Stadium a fortnight ago.

A top-half finish is beyond the Terriers now after their 2-2 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers, but Town do have the opportunity to get one over local rivals Leeds United and end the season above the Whites.

However, the Yorkshiremen have been able to score goals, having failed to find the back of the net only once in their previous half a dozen outings.

Huddersfield can also take encouragement from their improving away form, with no defeats in their last four games since a 4-1 reverse at Brentford at the beginning of March.

Recent form: DWWDDD



Team News

Blackpool Manager Lee Clark looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Blackpool at Craven Cottage on November 5, 2014© Getty Images

Blackpool boss Lee Clark has shown faith in teenage forward Henry Cameron in recent weeks and could keep the youngster in his starting lineup.

Darren O'Dea missed last week's defeat at Cardiff City after returning from injury, but Clark has to decide whether to recall the Irishman at the expense of Peter Clarke and Bournemouth loanee Miles Addison.

Huddersfield could add youth to their starting XI, with Phil Boyle, Duane Holmes and Philip Billing having trained with the senior squad this week.

Joe Wilkinson should keep his place after making his debut in the draw with Blackburn, but Jonathan Hogg is expected to miss out with a knee injury.

Harry Bunn and James Vaughan could be rested despite training this week, as Powell has suggested that he won't take risks.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Parish, Maher, Clarke, Addison, Dunne, Cubero Loria, Perkins, O'Hara, Osavi-Samuel, Madine, Cameron

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Smithies, Smith, Hudson, Wilkinson, Scannell, Coady, Gobern, Butterfield, Lynch, Miller, Wells



Head To Head

Since Blackpool relegation from the Premier League in 2012 they have largely struggled against Huddersfield, having won only one of the last five meetings.

That win came at Bloomfield Road toward the end of last season when an early strike from Ricardo Fuller gave the Tangerines their second win in 21 games after sliding from contention for promotion.

Huddersfield won the reverse fixture 4-2, thanks to a Harry Bunn brace against a Blackpool side still managed by Jose Riga at the point, but who had lost five of their opening seven away games.



Video Preview

Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:



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We say: Blackpool 0-1 Huddersfield

Blackpool might want to end their terrible campaign on a high, but a lack of home victories, or even goals, could count against them on Saturday. Huddersfield are improving of late and we've gone for the Terriers to sneak a win.



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