Blackpool hope to get their play-off bid back on track as they travel to the New Meadow to face Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, March 2.
The Seasiders suffered a midweek defeat to Leyton Orient which saw them drop to ninth and now they are six points off of the play-offs. Stevenage have a game in hand and Peterborough United have two so Blackpool will have to get a winning run together again and hope from a slip-up from those above them.
Shrewsbury were also in action in midweek and lost 3-0 to Lincoln City at Sincil Bank. The defeat has the Shrews in 18th, and they are currently five points above the drop zone but the teams below them such as Cheltenham Town and Port Vale do possess games in hand.
Blackpool ran out convincing winners against Shrewsbury in the reverse fixture between the two back in November, claiming a 4-0 victory. Jake Beesley scored a brace and was joined by Jordan Rhodes and Kyle Joseph in the scoring.
The record against Shrewsbury isn't the greatest and that win in November was their first in 14 matches. Blackpool have not won an away match at Shrewsbury Town since a New Year's Day win in 1997, winning 3-1 back in the old Division Two days.
Neil Critchley and Paul Hurst have some decisions to make regarding injuries. Some players missed out from playing in their midweek matches but could play a part at the weekend as they try to recover from their respective issues. Here's the latest injury and team news ahead of kick-off at the Croud Meadow.
Shrewsbury were also in action in midweek and lost 3-0 to Lincoln City at Sincil Bank. The defeat has the Shrews in 18th, and they are currently five points above the drop zone but the teams below them such as Cheltenham Town and Port Vale do possess games in hand.
7. Shayne Lavery - doubt
Shayne Lavery was forced off at half time of the recent game against Bolton. He didn't play against Leyton Orient. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
Neil Critchley said on March 1: "We had to bring him off against Bolton because he said he felt something, so we don’t want to take any risks with him, but he’s responded to treatment and hopefully we can progress him a little bit further. "We take a duty of care with all of our players, discussing what is right for every individual- they don’t always do the same type of training or the same amount. Shayne’s no different, he’s an important member of our squad. "We’d be delighted if he could be involved and stays injury free, because between now and the end of the season he could prove to be an important player for us.”
10. Hayden Coulson and Shayne Lavery - doubt (continued)
Neil Critchley said on March 1: "We hope Hayden and Shayne will both be fine for Saturday, they did a bit of training yesterday, so if they don’t have any negative reaction they will be in contention for the squad tomorrow. “They’ve both been important players for us recently. Hayden gives us good balance on that side of the pitch, and Shayne offers us something different at the top end. If they were available then that would help." Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
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