Premier League preview: Blackpool v Newcastle

Strugglers Blackpool have been buoyed by reports that skipper Charlie Adam could play against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Blackpool midfielder limped off in the first half of last Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Wigan Athletic and had his foot in plaster this week.

Reports, however, have suggested Adam is likely to be fit for the match at Bloomfield Road.

The relegation-threatened club’s survival hopes are firmly pinned on the Scotland international, who has scored 10 goals this season but his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Ian Holloway’s men will be eager to claim the three points against Newcastle given their remaining games include Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Following the defeat to Wigan, Blackpool dropped to the relegation zone for the first time this season, although they remain only a point off 17th-placed Wigan Athletic and five points behind Fulham who are 12th.

They have lost their last three games and have only won once in their last 13.

Midfielder David Vaughan is expected to return for the Tangerines having missed the last two games with a hip injury.

Newcastle took a small step towards securing their Premier League status on Tuesday as they held champions-elect Manchester United to a goalless draw at St James’ Park.

The Geordies are ninth on the table, with 40 points, and have only won one in their last six but have shown positive signs of staying in the top flight throughout the campaign.

While they are relatively safe from the drop, Alan Pardew is, too, hopeful a victory can build some momentum heading into the final month of action which includes games at Liverpool and Chelsea.

Pardew has admitted he has a selection headache on his hands, with second-string goalkeeper Tim Krul having played a pivotal role in keeping United scoreless and the return of first choice Steve Harper.

Key midfielders Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, who were both overlooked for the Professional Footballers Association team of the season, will be spurred on by their non-selection.

Striker Shola Ameobi should be fit after starting against the Red Devils, while the on-loan Stephen Ireland, who came on as a substitute on Tuesday, will look to cement his first-team spot.