Fan Preview: Newcastle Vs Blackpool

Newcastle’s first game after promotion was confirmed is a tricky test against a Blackpool side who are fighting for a play-off spot. When you look at the names of these two sides, you could be forgiven for thinking that a heavy defeat for the Tangerines was the only likely result. However this season, Ian Holloway has turned the relegation candidates into an outside bet for promotion.

The game will be a perfect test for Chris Hughton’s side to see whether the Magpies are going to let complacency kick in and performances drop. The Toon Army will be hoping they don’t see a repeat of the last time the two sides met, when the Seasiders’ shocked Newcastle with a 2-1 victory. The heroes of the win that day were Brett Ormerod and Jason Euell, and the old-timers will be looking to cause a similar upset tomorrow and end Newcastle’s season-long unbeaten home record.

Chris Hughton is expected to make changes from his normally settled starting XI with Joey Barton, Alan Smith and Fabrice Pancrate possibly coming in. There could also be appearances for promising youngsters Tim Krul, Tamas Kadar and Nile Ranger. However it is expected that the starting XI will still be strong, as Newcastle still want to lift the Championship trophy at the end of the season, as well as preserve their enviable home record.

Blackpool come into the game on the back of four-match winning streak and will be confident of taking something from SJP, on their first visit to Tyneside in 22 years. Holloway’s side are also the only team who can still complete the double over Newcastle this season after Nottingham Forest and Scunthorpe both blew their chances when they came to SJP.

Newcastle are still without Fitz Hall, who hasn’t shaken off a hamstring injury and Steven Taylor is still out with a broken jaw. Other than these two definite absentees, any changes made by Hughton will be voluntary and fringe players will be given a chance to prove their worth to the Toon Army.

Blackpool’s star striker Brett Ormerod is likely to play, despite having an operation on a broken hand earlier this week. Stephen Crainey faces a late fitness test to see whether he plays or not and Hameur Bouazza is out with a groin injury.

As I said before, on paper this is a home win all day long. But coupled with Blackpool’s good form and Newcastle’s potential complacency, this could be a tough test for Chris Hughton and co. I can see the Tangerines walking away with a draw if Newcastle weaken their side with a couple of below-par fringe players.

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