Blackpool will hope to show their bounce-back ability when they host Bristol Rovers at Bloomfield Road in their final League One match before Christmas. Neil Critchley's side issued the perfect response to last weekend's disappointment at Cambridge United by beating Forest Green Rovers 3-0 on Tuesday night.
Several changes were made, however the side put out was strong enough to see off FGR, who later sacked their manager following their exit from the competition. Owen Dale, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel and Marvin Ekpiteta were all on target as they booked their place in the third round and set up a tie with Nottingham Forest in January. The league is the priority however, and this weekend is a big match if Blackpool want to get their promotion bid back on track, and Rovers who hold their own ambitions of a play-off push will be out to get a result.
The West Country outfit claimed an unlikely win away at promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers last weekend. It was the first league win under new boss Matt Taylor who succeeded Joey Barton after former Blackpool striker Andy Mangan took the reigns. Rovers have Blackpool promotion-winning midfielder Grant Ward in their ranks, and he has overcome his injury hell.
A win for the hosts would bring them to within one point of Derby County who hold the final play-off position. If Rovers were to win then they'd potentially overleap two teams and come within two points of Blackpool.
It's Bristol Rovers with the lengthier absentee list than Blackpool, and several players could be missing. Here are all the latest team news updates ahead of Saturday's clash between the Seasiders and the Gas at Bloomfield Road.
1. Jordan Rhodes - doubt
Came off the bench against Forest Green, however was on the receiving end of a touch challenge. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
2. Jordan Rhodes - doubt (continued)
Neil Critchley said on December 19; "It was an inexperienced challenge from the boy (Reece Welch). "I’ve seen a lot of him from his time at Everton, and he just mistimed it; there was no malice or anything. He caught Jordan on the shoulder so he’s a bit sore. "He came back on and finished the game so fingers crossed he’ll be okay and it doesn’t become any worse.” Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
3. Kenny Dougall - available
Didn't feature against Forest Green Rovers, which saw him miss his second consecutive game. Bogus transfer rumours linking him away were played down. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
4. Kenny Dougall - available
"It’s the same as before,” Critchley said on December 20. With the amount of games we’ve had and the amount of football Kenny has played we’ve got to think when he comes back into contention for the matches we’ve got coming up. "We’ve got Bristol Rovers, Burton, Port Vale, then Lincoln- and a cup game. He’ll be back in the next few games. "They’re just rumours so I’m not going to speculate on things like that,” Critchley added. "Kenny is here and he’s with us, so we’ll just carry on.” Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
5. Kylian Kouassi - out
He remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
6. Shayne Lavery - out
Another striker that is nursing a hamstring injury. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns