Prediction: Blackpool vs Sunderland

21st January 2011

Blackpool couldn’t survive the trip to Hawthorns even though they were very close to picking up one point, but the Tangerines won’t be too downhearted by the defeat but will rather turn to the Sunderland game. The Black Cats are still hurting over Darren Bent’s departure, although this is the perfect chance to show they are not too dependant on the England international.

I don’t think there was a football pundit who didn’t see Blackpool as the main candidates for the drop before the Premiership campaign started, but the Tangerines have defied the odds and proved they full deserve to feature in English top flight. Ian Holloway’s side fear absolutely no one in the Premiership and there are not too many teams that have outplayed Blackpool this term. Following the impressive victory over Liverpool, their second over the Reds this season, the Tangerines lost to West Bromwich away and they are now eager to return to winning ways. Blackpool picked up ten points from their last five home games and I certainly wouldn’t bet against them in this clash. The hosts will have to make do without Marlon Harewood, who is close to making his return from a hamstring injury, whereas Basham, Carney, Gilks, Clarke and Martin remain unavailable.

Sunderland are still coming to terms with Darren Bent’s shock transfer to Aston Villa as nobody at the club can understand why the England international chose Villa over the Black Cats. Bent’s departure is likely to prove a big blow to Sunderland’s aspirations towards European football, but they will have to try and forget the latest developments and focus on the Blackpool game. The Black Cats don’t seem to be in a very good form at the moment, having lost to Notts County in the FA Cup before starring into the eyes of defeat against Newcastle only to earn a point thanks to Asamoah Gyan’s injury time goal. The Ghanaian is currently the only fit striker in the squad after Danny Welbeck joined Frazier Campbell in the infirmary, but that is just the tip of the iceberg as Turner, Mensah, Cattermole, Carson and Meyler are also out injured.

Conclusion

With so many key players on the sidelines, it is little wonder Sunderland are struggling to cope with the busy schedule and the Black Cats will have real problems when trying to deal with Blackpool’s in-your-face style of play. The Tangerines are looking good at the moment and I expect them to win this game.

Verdict: Home win Blackpool (1)

Best Odds: 3/2

Bookmaker: Paddy Power