FA Cup action returns this weekend as Blackpool host Forest Green Rovers at Bloomfield Road in the second round of the competition.
Blackpool enter this fixture as firm favourites, as they play their football in League One, a tier above League Two Forest Green. Both sides beat lower league opposition in the first round, though Forest Green were seconds away from being on the end of an upset, with a 93rd-minute equaliser from 18-year-old striker Olly Sully saving their blushes at National League North side Scarborough. They played out a comfortable 5-2 victory in the replay. Blackpool’s tie was more straightforward, with goals from Shayne Lavery and Karamoko Dembele securing a 2-0 win over National League Bromley.
The two sides have experienced contrasting seasons so far, with Blackpool making a solid start to the campaign lying in eighth place and firmly in the mix for a playoff spot. They have won eight and lost six of their first 20 games. In comparison, Forest Green are desperate for an upturn in form, as they currently sit 23rd in League Two, three points adrift from safety. They are hoping to avoid returning to the National League for the first time since 2017. So far, they have won just four and lost 12 after 19 games.
Both teams will be coming into this game hoping to bounce back from defeat. The Tangerines fell 2-1 at home to Northampton whilst Rovers lost 3-0 against Bradford City. Neil Critchley’s side are looking to put this blip behind them however, as they had won three out of four games prior, including two 4-0 wins at second-place Portsmouth and at home to Shrewsbury.
Unfortunately for their opponents, their defeat is a continuation of the inconsistent form they have displayed throughout the campaign. Forest Green have won just once in five game in all competitions, with that victory being the replay against Scarborough. It means they are winless in four league games.
Striker Jordan Rhodes will be looking to continue his promising start to the season by adding to his 11 goals, his most recent coming in the latest loss against Northampton. The 33-year-old also has three assists to his name. Mathew Stevens is Forest Green’s top scorer with five league goals and one in the EFL Trophy. Ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney is also on the books of the League Two club and has scored four goals so far.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams. One of them will be getting knocked out earlier than they did last season, with both participating in the third round. Blackpool managed to upset Premier League side Nottingham Forest with a 4-1 win at home, before falling 2-1 to another top-flight team in Southampton in the following round. Forest Green were not so successful, their FA Cup journey ending at the hands of Championship Birmingham City despite taking the lead early on in the game. In fact, the League Two side have never advanced past the third round.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this week’s action.