A difficult season for Blackpool hit a new low last weekend as they suffered a humiliating defeat at Watford, and the pressure is on the Seasiders once again as they look to keep their survival hopes alive.

A win at Vicarage Road may not have been realistic before the game for Lee Clark's men, but leading Watford 2-0 at the half-time interval suggested that the trip could provide the squad with a boost.

However, a capitulation followed as Watford struck seven goals in the second half to pile the misery on Blackpool, who must now look to put the loss behind them ahead of the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Clark will be hopeful that the introduction of another new face could make a difference, with Joe Rothwell set to be included in the squad after joining the club on loan from Manchester United.

There could be changes elsewhere, too, as Nathan Delfouneso and Islam Feruz push for a place in the starting lineup.

Brighton were busy off the pitch this week, with Beram Kayal gaining a work permit to complete his move from Celtic, but the Israeli midfielder is still waiting for international clearance.

If Brighton are given permission in time, Kayal could be given his debut by Chris Hughton, who also provided a boost to the club's supporters this week by insisting that striker Chris O'Grady will not leave this month.

Brighton return to Championship action on the back of a promising display in a losing cause in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with only an inspired performance from Tomas Rosicky condemning them to a 3-2 loss against Arsenal.

Three wins in four league games have seen Brighton move away of the relegation zone, and another victory this weekend could put them nine points clear of the bottom three.

Hughton could be tempted to name the same 11 players which beat Ipswich Town in their last Championship outing, with O'Grady and Sam Baldock in line to lead the attack once again.

Blackpool:

Form in Championship: LLDWLL
Form in all competitions: LDLWLL

Possible starting lineup: Parish, Nosworthy, Maher, O'Dea, McMahon, Orlandi, O'Hara, Ferguson, Delfouneso, Miller, Feruz

Brighton:

Form in Championship: DDWWLW
Form in all competitions: WWWLWL

Possible starting lineup: Stockdale, Calderon, Greer, Hughes, Bennett, Holla, Ince, Bruno, Teixeira, Baldock, O'Grady

Sports Mole says: 0-2

Written by
Callum Mulvihill

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