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Blackburn logo
Championship
Feb 1, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Blackpool

2-0

Dunn (20'), Hanley (83')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Blackpool

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between playoff-chasing Blackburn and out-of-form Blackpool at Ewood Park.

The post-Paul Ince era at Blackpool has not got off to the desired start, with caretaker boss Barry Ferguson drawing one and losing one of his two games in charge so far.

Blackpool were denied a rare win by a late Doncaster Rovers equaliser last weekend before being thoroughly outclassed at the Madejski Stadium on their way to a 5-1 defeat to Reading on Tuesday.

That takes their winless streak to a whopping 12 matches in all competitions, while they have now amassed just two points from the last 33 on offer in the Championship.

Such a dreadful run of form has seen their playoff hopes evaporate and, if things don't improve soon, they could even find themselves dragged into a relegation battle.

The Tangerines are now just seven points clear of the bottom three having played at least one game more than the majority of sides below them in the table.

Their away form is even more damning, with seven consecutive defeats on their travels, scoring just four goals and conceding 19 in that time.

Any change in fortunes could coincide with the future of Thomas Ince, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club before Friday's transfer deadline.

Should Ince depart as expected, he will be the only man missing for the visitors as they have a fully fit squad otherwise.

While Blackpool's playoff hopes seem to be a thing of the past, Blackburn's are very much still alive as they sit just five points behind sixth place.

They have struggled for consistency recently, however, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their last six league matches, as well as being dumped unceremoniously out of the FA Cup by a rampant Manchester City.

They did hold City to a draw at Ewood Park, however, and it is their home form that has been the main driver of their playoff charge this season.

They have lost just three times in front of their own fans all season, and just one of those defeats have come in their last nine outings.

A first win in five matches in all competitions could see Rovers move up to seventh, but they would need Ipswich Town and Brighton & Hove Albion to both drop points for that to happen.

Gary Bowyer could be without injury doubts Leon Best and Ben Marshall for the match, while Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gestede are expected to remain up front.

Recent form

Blackburn: DWLLDD

Blackpool: LLLLDL

Possible starting lineups

Blackburn: Robinson; Henley, Hanley, Dann, Spurr; Williamson, Lowe, Cairney, Dunn; Gestede; Rhodes

Blackpool: Gilks; Broadfoot, Cathcart, Mackenzie, Robinson; Halliday, Cervera, Perkins, Basham, Bishop; Davies

Sports Mole says: 2-0


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Forest boss Billy Davies during the match against Watford on August 25, 2013
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