Blackpool switch EPL opener to Wigan

Premier League new-comers Blackpool will play their opening game back in the top-flight at Wigan instead of in front of their own supporters due to work on the club’s Bloomfield Road stadium.

Concerns over Blackpool’s ability to finish a series of improvements to their stadium in time for the start of the new season forced the Premier League to allow the Seasiders to reverse their fixtures against Wigan – meaning they will travel to the DW Stadium on August 14 and host the Latics on April 16.

Blackpool, who last played in the English top division since 1971, won promotion from the Championship via the play-offs last season and are still in the process of building a new stand to increase capacity, while also upgrading other areas of the ground.

Ian Holloway’s side will now start the campaign with two away games, against Wigan and Arsenal, before their first home game against Fulham on August 28.

A Premier League statement read: “The board felt it was important to take this decision as early as possible if there was any potential for Blackpool FC’s stadium not being ready for the first match of the season.

“This is the only Blackpool FC fixture that will be affected and this decision will give both clubs and their supporters maximum time to plan accordingly.”