'Massive opportunity' – Blackpool vs Barnsley prediction: The72
Today at 05:45 AM
Blackpool host Barnsley in League One this weekend as both sides return to action following the recent international break.
Blackpool endured a relatively disappointing start to their campaign prior to the appointment of Steve Bruce as manager. The veteran boss took to the helm in early September and was unbeaten in the third tier until his side faced Mansfield Town in their last outing.
The Seasiders lost 2-0 to the Stags on their travels, ultimately undone by Will Evans’ first-half brace, though would be forgiven for feeling like they deserved more from the encounter.
Back on home soil, Bruce’s side have the chance to return to winning ways against a Barnsley side who have won just one of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
Despite their recent poor form, the Tykes sit just one place below their hosts in the table. Level on points, Darrell Clarke’s men sit 11th with Blackpool in 10th.
Back to back 2-0 defeats at the hands of Huddersfield Town, most recently in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, will have left a sour taste in the mouths of Barnsley supporters. It would be safe to say that pressure is slowly starting to mount on turning their performances around.
On Saturday it will be almost one month to the day since the Tykes’ last victory, so the traveling fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for a positive performance and result at Bloomfield Road.
Here, a handful of our writers make their prediction for the game…
Jacob Hackett
“Blackpool have looked a much improved outfit since Bruce took charge and they will be desperate to bounce back from their defeat last time out.
“Having said that, they face a Barnsley side who are also bound to be desperate for a result. It is no longer a case of bouncing back for the Tykes, however, more like stopping the rot.
“Returning to home soil, this is a massive opportunity for the Seasiders to get one over their potential play-off race opponents.
“I am expecting a competitive meeting, though my money is on the hosts sealing the victory in a high-scoring clash.”
Prediction: Blackpool 3-2 Barnsley
James Ray
“On paper, these two have had intriguingly similar starts to the season. Blackpool and Barnsley are on the same points after 10 games, both with four wins, three draws and three defeats. Neither have had many problems scoring either, with issues coming at the other end of the pitch.
“As such, you’d think this game will be pretty close. I can see it going that way too, though the mood at Bloomfield Road is better with Bruce starting well and Barnsley sliding a little.
“The Tykes have been decent on the road with three wins from five though, and I do think there is a result to be had here. A win might be a stretch too far, but I can see this ending level in an entertaining tie.”
Prediction: Blackpool 2-2 Barnsley
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