Premier League preview: Blackpool v Aston Villa

Blackpool’s last victory, 2-1 at home to Liverpool a month ago, is an increasingly distant memory ahead of the visit of Aston Villa.

Ian Holloway’s promoted side defied expectations to find themselves in the top half of the English Premier League table during the first months of the season.

But they have now lost five consecutive matches to sit 15th, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Two of those defeats came against fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United, results that have dragged Blackpool into the relegation battle at the foot of the table.

Aston Villa are only one point better off in 14th place and have played one match more than Blackpool, making the points up for grabs at Bloomfield Road on Saturday even more valuable.

Villa drew 2-2 at home to Fulham last time out and lost 3-1 against league leaders Manchester United on February 1.

But they did record three successive victories prior to their defeat at Old Trafford and have been buoyed by the arrival of record signing Darren Bent.

The former Ipswich and Tottenham man scored on his Villa debut after joining from Sunderland for an initial fee of 17 million pounds.

He also found the net for England in their 2-1 win over Denmark on Wednesday.

Other reinforcements to arrive at Villa Park include USA international Michael Bradley and Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun.

Blackpool’s chief coup in the January transfer window was to retain the services of key player Charlie Adam.

The Scotland midfielder will need to be at his best if Blackpool are to end their winless run and overcome Gerard Houllier’s improving Villa side.

A knee injury continues to sideline defender Luke Young for Villa, while Blackpool are without goalkeeper Matthew Gilks and full-back Stephen Crainey.