Blackpool play host to Chelsea on Monday evening in what could be a season defining match for both teams.
When the sides met in September, the Blues ran out 4-0 victors with Seasiders’ boss Ian Holloway describing the difference between the two sides as ‘light years’.
However, Blackpool kicked on from the disappointment and had a solid first half to the season and looked comfortable in the top half of the table.
Unfortunately though, they have started to slide down the standings but after a superb 3-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, they looked to have stopped the rot after only picking up one point from a possible eighteen in their previous six matches.
Despite this, Holloway’s side followed the Spurs result with a crushing 4-0 away defeat to fellow strugglers Wolves and this plunged them firmly into the relegation dogfight once again (Blackpool 11/10 to be relegated).
The Tangerines’ cause is also further damaged by the absence of their skipper and talisman Charlie Adam who is suspended along with top scorer DJ Campbell. However, they may be able to call upon the experience of former Celtic left-back Stephen Crainey to steady the defence.
Chelsea have also struggled this season, despite making a superb start which made it look like the league was theirs to lose. Despite winning their first four league games, they then went on a disappointing run that saw them pick up only nine points in November and December.
This run coincided with injuries to key players such as Alex and Frank Lampard and the England midfielder’s return to the side seems to have reignited the Blues’ title challenge. They will be looking to kick on after their victory against table toppers Manchester United last Tuesday (Chelsea 2/7 to beat Blackpool).
Chelsea will be hoping their £50million British record signing Fernando Torres will be in the mood as he looks to notch his first goal in a Chelsea shirt. He is likely to be partnered up-front by a recalled Didier Drogba (Torres 3/1 favourite to score first).
Chelsea go into the game with history on their side having won at Bloomfield Road on each of their last six visits, with Blackpool’s last home victory against the Blues coming in 1965. However, Chelsea’s form on the road has been shaky this term, having only won two of their last nine games away from home and this will give the Seasiders confidence (Blackpool 17/2 to beat Chelsea).
Whatever the outcome, it’s sure to be an exciting match with both teams looking to play exciting, expansive football and the result is bound to have a profound effect on the outcome of the final Premier League standings.
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