Mick McCarthy explains Jerry Yates absence after Blackpool's defeat to Cardiff City

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The Seasiders will be hoping it’s a very Good Friday when they take on their relegation rivals Cardiff in a huge six-pointer down at the wrong end of the Championship

Make sure to follow the blog for build-up, team news, live match updates and post-match reaction.

Blackpool v Cardiff City - live updates

Key Events

  • FT: Blackpool 1-3 Cardiff
  • Seasiders take on relegation rivals in huge six-pointer
  • Jordan Thorniley back in contention after recovering from sickness bug

Blackpool will have to do without top goalscorer Jerry Yates for today’s must-win clash against Cardiff City.

No reason has been given for the striker’s absence.

Elsewhere, Jordan Thorniley is also left out despite head coach Mick McCarthy saying the defender “should be okay” during the build-up.

It comes after the defender was left out against Preston North End after suffering with a sickness bug the morning of the game.

McCarthy makes five changes in total from that 3-1 defeat at Deepdale.

Dom Thompson, Charlie Patino, Sonny Carey, Josh Bowler and Ian Poveda are the five to come into the starting line-up.

Andy Lyons, Kenny Dougall, CJ Hamilton, Keshi Anderson are the four to drop out alongside Yates.

Lewis Fiorini, who was completely left out against Preston, is named among the substitutes.

Marvin Ekpiteta, Charlie Goode, Liam Bridcutt, Kevin Stewart, Tom Trybull, Shayne Lavery, Jake Beesley and Gary Madine all remain sidelined through injury.

Sunderland were linked with the 26-year-old frontman in January, yet he wasn’t thought to be on the Black Cats’ radar and doesn’t fit the profile of what they are looking for.Sunderland were linked with the 26-year-old frontman in January, yet he wasn’t thought to be on the Black Cats’ radar and doesn’t fit the profile of what they are looking for.
Sunderland were linked with the 26-year-old frontman in January, yet he wasn’t thought to be on the Black Cats’ radar and doesn’t fit the profile of what they are looking for.

Losing Jerry Yates for such a significant game is a big, big blow for the Seasiders.

To illustrate that point, the striker has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.

This afternoon’s starting XI has just nine goals between them.

Sonny Carey gets the game started.

Up the mighty Pool!

4 - Bringing the noise

Water is wet, but the fans are doing their bit. Cagey opening so far on the pitch.

Morgan Rogers springs the offside trap to collect the ball down the left flank. He shows good intent by cutting in from the left but blazes well, well wide with his powerful effort.

Josh Bowler puts Blackpool in trouble by conceding possession on the edge of his own box. Thankfully Cardiff can’t capitalise as Connor Wickham fires over.

Blackpool don't have a recognised striker and the man deputising in the no.9 role, Morgan Rogers, is now limping around.

He's not required medical treatment as yet.

Charlie Patino fizzes a dangerous ball across the face of goal which goalkeeper Ryan Allsop makes a complete hash of, but the Seasiders are unable to take advantage.

Trademark Josh Bowler stuff as he dribbles down the right, cuts inside and unleashes a powerful shot. Well blocked though.