Preview: Blackpool vs. Bournemouth

It is bottom vs. top this weekend in the Championship as Blackpool host high-flying Bournemouth at Bloomfield Road.

The Tangerines may not find it as daunting a test as they once would have, however, with their form improving in recent weeks under Lee Clark.

The new manager finally got his first win at the helm earlier this month, and a late Steve Davis strike rescued a draw against Charlton Athletic last time out to make it four games without defeat - their best run since October-November of last year.

They remain rooted to the bottom of the table and still eight points from safety, however, and that gap is effectively nine given their inferior goal difference.

The next task for the Seasiders is to turn their recent draws into victories, although they know that will be a tough ask against a Bournemouth side in such good form.

Clark will be particularly concerned about how his defence will hold up against the highest-scoring attack in England's top four tiers having shipped 33 goals in their 21 outings this season.

Blackpool also have the worst home record in the division, although things have improved on that front, with two wins and a draw in their last five at Bloomfield Road. Only high-flyers Derby County and Ipswich Town have won here since September.

They could have a rare piece of consistency in their lineup, however, with Clark able to name an unchanged starting XI this weekend having not done so yet this season.

The hosts will be hoping to come up against a Bournemouth side licking their wounds following their exit from the League Cup at the hands of Liverpool on Wednesday.

The 3-1 defeat at Dean Court ended a 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, although they are still 11 matches without a loss in the league.

Such impressive form has seen them rise up to the top of the Championship table, although they are only above Middlesbrough on goals scored. Indeed, just four points separate the top six, so Eddie Howe will know that a slump in form could well see his side slide down the standings.

Matches against struggling teams like Blackpool, then, are must-wins if the Cherries harbour any hopes of maintaining their unexpected charge for automatic promotion this season.

Only Middlesbrough have a better away record than Bournemouth, with the Cherries having won four and lost none of their last five matches on the road, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two in the process.

Howe made a number of changes for the Liverpool match, but the likes of Harry Arter, Marc Pugh and Andrew Surman are expected to return to the side this weekend.

Blackpool:

Recent form: DLDDWD

Possible starting lineup: Lewis; Foley, Clarke, Nosworthy, Kennedy; McMahon, Perkins, Murphy, O'Hara, Eagles; Davies

Bournemouth:

Form in Championship: WDDDWW Form in all competitions: DDDWWL

Possible starting lineup: Boruc; Francis, Cook, Elphick, Daniels; Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh; Kemorgant, Wilson

Sports Mole says: 1-3