Preview: Blackpool vs. Leyton Orient - prediction, team news, lineups

Blackpool and Leyton Orient square off at Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon with both clubs desperate for a win to remain in the playoff hunt.

These two teams sit in 11th and ninth position in the League One table respectively, the home side in far better form than the visitors.

Match preview

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While Blackpool remain very much outsiders for a spot in the top six at the end of the season, Steve Bruce continues to do a solid job with the Seasiders.

Just nine defeats have been posted in his 38 matches in charge, with Blackpool also only suffering one loss in their last 15 games in League One.

A 10-point haul from the last five have taken the club to within nine points of the playoffs, including a recent victory over a fellow fringe playoff contender in Barnsley.

Last time out, Blackpool edged out lowly Crawley Town by a 2-1 scoreline for what was remarkably just their fourth home league win all season; there have been 11 draws in the other 13 games.

However, having not lost at Bloomfield Road since the middle of October, there will be confidence that another three points can be recorded here to break into the top 10.

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At a time when Blackpool are building momentum, Leyton Orient have completely lost their way with five successive defeats.

When considering that they have prevailed in 12 of their 15 previous encounters, Richie Wellens is at odds as to why his side have failed to take advantage of their previous position closer to the playoffs.

Their last two losses have been at the hands of teams below them in the standings, first succumbing 1-0 at Rotherham United before losing 2-1 at home to Northampton Town.

Despite their recent run, Orient still possess the 10th best away record in the division, accumulating 23 points from their 17 games.

Team News

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Bruce may be prepared to name the same Blackpool XI for this game after their comeback victory over Cambridge.

Although the likes of Josh Onomah and Sam Silvera are options to come into the team, only injury issues are likely to lead to any alterations.

Changes are highly likely to be made to the Orient starting lineup, with Charlie Kelman in line for a recall in attack after his goal versus Northampton.

That could lead to Daniel Agyei being moved to a wide area, with Azeem Abdulai potentially missing out having struggled to make an impact of late.

Sean Clare may also get the nod over Darren Pratley in the centre of the pitch.

Blackpool possible starting lineup: Tyrer; Offiah, Pennington, Casey, Coulson; Apter, Morgan, Evans, Carey; Fletcher, Ennis

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup: Keeley; Galbraith, Edmonds-Green, Simpson, Sweeney; Clare, Brown; Williams, Donley, Agyei; Kelman

We say: Blackpool 1-1 Leyton Orient

With Blackpool building up a head of steam of late, they are the clear favourites to come through this contest. However, we are backing the visitors to get back on track, to a certain extent, to earn a share of the spoils.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.