Premier League preview: West Brom v Blackpool

Promoted clubs West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool go head to head in a battle to avoid relegation on Saturday.

Blackpool are in ninth place on 28 points, but just seven ahead of the drop zone, while Roberto Di Matteo’s club are on 22 points in 16th, slightly ahead of the relegation-placed Aston Villa on 21 points.

Star winger Peter Odemwingie is in serious doubt for the match as he is struggling to overcome a twisted ankle injury, while striker Ishmael Miller and defender Pablo Ibanez are both doubtful for the clash with hamstring problems.

Key defender Jonas Olsson will miss the affair due to suspension, but Gabriel Tamas will be available after serving a three-game suspension.

Di Matteo said Odemwingie has played through the injury already this season, but doubts whether he can do so again against Blackpool.

“Peter twisted his ankle so he is not training and we will have to see how he develops this week,” Di Matteo said.

“He played with an injection in the Fulham game, with credit to him. Ishmael has a grade one hamstring injury, which is the least bad.”

“Pablo is still recovering from a hamstring injury as well and I’m not sure if he will be available for Saturday.”

Blackpool have almost convinced the English football community of their right to remain in the Premier League at least another campaign, and a win over West Brom would all but assure them of safety in a season where teams are regularly trading places in the bottom three in a close league.

The Seasiders’ defiance to recover from an early deficit against Liverpool on Wednesday will buoy the spirits of Holloway’s men, along with the successful return from injury of midfielder Elliot Grandin, who played just over an hour against the Reds.

Goalkeeper Matt Gilks’ return to the pitch from a broken kneecap has been put back, while Marlon Harewood is back in training in recovery form a hamstring complaint and could be on the bench on Saturday.

“With Marlon it is his overall fitness. We need to get that right, otherwise his hamstring will just go again, so he’s a little further away,” Holloway said on Tuesday.