MX23RW : Saturday, April 2 19:36:03| >> :600:120052:120052:
Mar 16, 2022 at 7.45pm UK at Bloomfield Road
Blackpool
0 - 0
Sheff Utd

Connolly (41')
FT

Robinson (31'), Sharp (90')

Preview: Blackpool vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Championship clash between Blackpool and Sheffield United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Sheffield United square off against Blackpool on Wednesday evening needing all three points to remain in the Championship playoff positions.

While Blackpool are all the way down in 12th place in the standings, a fourth successive win will move them to within three points of their next opponents.


Match preview

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom on March 4, 2022© Reuters

On the back of losing 4-1 at Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, Sheffield United supporters were understandably left frustrated at missing an opportunity to strengthen their position in the top six.

However, even with two defeats in four matches, Paul Heckingbottom is yet to suffer successive setbacks since his return in November, putting the capitulation versus the Sky Blues into perspective.

The Blades are also still averaging two points per game under Heckingbottom, but he will acknowledge himself that his team need to take advantage of fixtures against Blackpool and Barnsley.

Sheffield United went from producing arguably their best performance of the season to their worst under his tenure, although the argument will be that thrashing Middlesbrough 4-1 is still very much fresh in the memory.

While Sander Berge has netted in successive games, Sheffield United still need more players to assist the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Billy Sharp in the final third.

Blackpool's Gary Madine celebrates scoring his side's second goal on October 23, 2021© Reuters

To a certain degree, the pressure remains off opponents Blackpool, who have already achieved their primary target of avoiding relegation straight back to League One.

However, on the back of three victories in a row, the Seasiders cannot be ruled out of the promotion race, particularly with a direct rival standing in front of them on Wednesday.

Neil Critchley will ensure that they remain with tags of underdogs given the size of the clubs around them, but Blackpool have proven time and time again that they can trouble any side in this division.

Gary Madine netted the only goal of the game as they defeated Swansea City at the weekend, the target man now joint-top goalscorer with eight strikes to his name.

Critchley's team have also got on the scoresheet in 15 successive Championship fixtures, not drawing a blank since defeat at Derby County on December 11.

Blackpool Championship form:
  • L
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • W

Sheffield United Championship form:
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • D
  • W
  • L



Team News

Sheffield United's Iliman Ndiaye celebrates scoring their first goal with Morgan Gibbs-White on September 11, 2021© Reuters

While Blackpool possess a lengthy injury list, no more issues arose from the weekend, leaving Critchley in line to name an unchanged starting lineup.

CJ Hamilton and Shayne Lavery are most likely to be considered for a recall if fresh legs are brought into the team.

Sheffield United also have multiple players on the sidelines, but Heckingbottom will almost certainly make changes to his first XI.

Iliman Ndiaye will hope to come into the team, most likely replacing Conor Hourihane, while handing a rest to Billy Sharp is also a possibility.

That would see Daniel Jebbison provided with an opportunity after Oliver McBurnie sustained an injury during the Coventry defeat.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Grimshaw; Sterling, Connolly, Ekpiteta, Husband, James; Bowler, Dougall, Stewart, Kirk; Madine

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Gordon, Egan, Robinson; Osborn, Norwood, Berge, Norrington-Davies; Gibbs-White, Ndiaye; Sharp


SM words green background

We say: Blackpool 1-1 Sheffield United

Despite the difference in league positions, there is an argument that Blackpool are the favourites to prevail from this contest. However, respect should still be given to the visitors, who we feel will do just enough to claim a share of the spoils on the North-West coast.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


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How you voted: Blackpool vs Sheff Utd

Blackpool
48.1%
Draw
22.1%
Sheffield United
29.9%
77
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Bournemouth's Ryan Christie celebrates after scoring their first goal on March 8, 2022
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Fulham38248692326080
2Bournemouth37219762332972
3Huddersfield TownHuddersfield401812105243966
4Luton TownLuton3918101158441464
5Middlesbrough381881252401262
6Blackburn RoversBlackburn4017111251411062
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3717101057362161
8Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3917101252411161
9Queens Park RangersQPR39178145450459
10Millwall391513114138358
11Coventry CityCoventry391511135148356
12West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom381412124236654
13Stoke CityStoke391410154944552
14Blackpool381410144345-252
15Preston North EndPreston391215124045-551
16Swansea CitySwansea38149154552-751
17Cardiff CityCardiff39137194560-1546
18Bristol City40128205172-2144
19Birmingham CityBirmingham391012174258-1642
20Hull City40118213345-1241
21Reading39117214574-2934
22Barnsley39611222955-2629
23Derby CountyDerby401213153945-628
24Peterborough UnitedPeterborough3968253280-4826

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