Blackpool seek to break free from relegation and turn their form when they host Newcastle United at Bloomfield Road. The Seasiders have not won since February's 3-1 stunner over Tottenham Hotspur and have lost 5 of 6 matches since then. The last two matches have also been at home, but were both lost 1-3 against Arsenal and, most recently,
Wigan Athletic.
The points dropped against Wigan meant Blackpool would fall to 18th place and to add insult to injury, Charlie Adam left the pitch on crutches from a suspected broken foot. The Scottish midfielder's x-rays allayed any fears of a prolonged absence, but he will miss at least this weekend's match with Newcastle.
The Tynesiders successfully held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw this Tuesday at St. James Park. It was a well-played match, but the outcome was slightly lucky as Javier Hernandez was brought down in the penalty box late-on and even the home crowd couldn't argue the reckless challenge. Instead, the referee gave a yellow for diving and the rest is history.
The result puts Newcastle United in 10th place: 14 points from Europe and 6 points from relegation. Stephen Ireland should hand the Toon a boost after a promising debut against the Red Devils, but Leon Best, Dan Gosling, Alan Smith and Hatem Ben Arfa remain on the injury list.
English Premier League, Round 34: Blackpool FC vs. Newcastle United
Date: Saturday, 23rd April 2010 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Bloomfield Road - Blackpool
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Blackpool:
Keeper: Gilks
Defenders: Evatt, Crainey, Eardley, Cathcart
Midfielders: Sylvestre, Southern, Grandin, Campbell
Forwards: Varney, Taylor-Fletcher
Manager: Ian Holloway
Injured: Carney, Basham, Vaughan, Adam
Booked: -
Newcastle United:
Keeper: Krul
Defenders: Coloccini, Enrique, Simpson, Williamson
Midfielders: Barton, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Tiote
Forwards: Lovenkrands, Ameobi
Manager: Alan Pardew
Injured: Best, Smith, Gosling, Ben Arfa
Booked: -
Referee:
Martin AtkinsonMatches:
35Red Cards:
12Yellow Cards:
125Venue:
Bloomfield RoadCity:
BlackpoolCapacity:
17,600Pitch:
Grass
Conditions:
Chance of ShowersTemperature:
21°Chance/Precipitation:
30%
Last Meeting:
11.09.2010, Newcastle - Blackpool 0:2Wins Blackpool:
18Wins Newcastle:
16Draws:
7
Newcastle will be out for revenge after Blackpool's 0-2 win at St. James Park last year. With the Seasiders missing star midfielder Charlie Adam, Newcastle should get at least a draw.
Tip: Newcastle +0 (Asian Handicap)
The best odds for this selection can be found at
Betfair and
SportingBet.
