Paddy Previews Palace vs Pool

Blackpool travel to Crystal Palace, knowing that a win would not only earn them another 4 points against a good side, which will fall into line with the likes of Preston, Burnley, Hull and could also soon become Watford and Plymouth. Also, a win would move the Seasiders to 52 points, which was always the target set by both manager and fans, as the safety number.

With two places at the bottom seemingly clear, only one remains, and teams up as far as Pool and Preston still face the possibility of landing in the spot, currently occupied by Sheffield Wednesday, who Pool still have to welcome to Bloomfield Road.

The trip to Selhurst Park hopefully won’t be as bad as the one to Stoke, and hopefully we will get a 3 o’clock kick off. Two new Pool signings Joe Martin and Grant Holt will probably play a part in the fixture, with the midfielder from Tottenham looking for a start, but Grant Holt on loan from Notts Forest, may have to settle for a place on the bench once again. Fellow new signing Scott Flinders isn’t available, with the new keeper ineligible to play, after a gentleman’s agreement between Neil Warnock and Simon Grayson. Michael Jackson played 70 minutes in the reserves on Wednesday, but has said he doesn’t expect to be fully fit until the crunch match with the Owls. Paul Dickov looks set to miss out as well, with his hamstring still causing trouble.

Palace have not lost to the Pool since the 70s, and have also not suffered a defeat in their last 6. Former Pool loanee Neil Danns looks set to miss out through a thigh problem, as is Victor Moses, with Phil Ifil likely to miss out with an ankle knock. Scott Sinclair, having just signed from Chelsea until the end of the season, could feature for the Eagles, while Neil Warnock could be boosted by Kyle Reid and Nathan Ashton, who both signed on loan from Premiership clubs this week.

Blackpool will know that a win would take them to the safety mark with important and tough games to come, so a win could be vital, but also hard to come by. A Palace side known to be good at home this season, and were no mugs when they visited the Seaside in October, with David Fox grabbing a second half point. A tough and long trip is sure to be made tougher with the possible absence of Keith Southern, while Palace will be relishing the opportunity to take a step closer to their playoff dream. A win is vital for both sides, but as Pool are yet to win since a Stephen McPhee brace gave them a 2-1 win at Norwich, you have to favour the home side to take the points.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Blackpool