The Seasiders host Reading this weekend, in a tie which looks set to be a game of fine margins. The two sides were relegated last season and the recent head to head history has been dominated by the hosts, even though Reading won 3-1 in the most recent encounter.
Blackpool
The Tangerines have been rather inconsistent so far this season and their mid table ranking of 14th sums up their start, after seven games, they have won two, drew three and lost two. The Blackpool faithful will be disappointed with how their side has performed and in particular how dull some of their ties have been. After their opening 2-0 win over Burton they went on a three game 0-0 streak and they have only scored in two games this campaign.
Neil Critchley’s side have struggled to convert their chances in front of goal and we witnessed this last time out in their 2-0 defeat to Wycombe. Despite having the most shots, corners, and more possession than their opponent, Blackpool still couldn’t put the ball into the back of the net and it is clear that the attackers are low on confidence.
Reading
The Royals should be sat in 14th place at this current moment, however due to their four point deduction at the start of the season, they are actually in 21st. The Reading fans have experienced a nail-biting affair in every game this season, with Ruben Selles’ side either losing or winning each game by just one goal. Defensively, Reading are solid, but their biggest issue at times has been in the attacking third, scoring just six goals in seven matches.
Last time out in League One however, they found their shooting boots and beat a very good Bolton side 2-1 at home. Despite going into the break 1-0 down, Reading were able to equalise in the 77th minute thanks to Charlie Savage. Ten minutes later, they doubled their advantage and the second half dominance finally broke down the Bolton backline. The royals may have also just beat Exeter 9-0 in their latest away game this week and squad morale will be at an all-time high going into the weekend.
Verdict?
Both sides have struggled in front of goal this season but in the last week, Reading have found plenty of joy in attack. Momentum is key in football and the two sides are in two opposite states. We shouldn’t see many goals and either side could edge it.
The final prediction is Blackpool 1-1 Reading.
