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[monks data]
Blackpool
Championship
Apr 18, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Fulham logo

0-1

FT(HT: 0-1)
Smith (8')

Preview: Blackpool vs. Fulham

Sports Mole casts its eye over the Championship meeting between relegated Blackpool and struggling Fulham at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

Fulham travel to relegated Blackpool on Saturday knowing that a victory will end their fears of joining the Tangerines in League One next season.

Blackpool are without a win since the end of January, and after being thrashed at Derby County in midweek, Lee Clark will be looking for a response from his men against a Fulham side that have endured a poor campaign.



Blackpool

Blackpool manager Lee Clark looks dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match against Watford at Vicarage Road on January 24, 2015© Getty Images

Blackpool's campaign has been one to forget, with their drop to League One eventually confirmed earlier this month after a run of 12 games without a win.

That run has now been extended to 15 games after they lost 4-0 to promotion hopefuls Derby County on Tuesday evening.

Prior to their heavy defeat at the iPro Stadium, Blackpool had shown signs of improvement, with draws picked up against Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Reading respectively before they suffered a narrow defeat to Ipswich Town.

Blackpool have given little for their home fans to cheer this season, having won just four of their 21 fixtures at Bloomfield Road this season. However, their recent performances will give them some encouragement that they can make it five against Fulham.

Recent form: LDDDLL



Fulham

Fulham Manager Kit Symons attends the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on December 29, 2014© Getty Images

Fulham are not quite out of danger yet, after a major slump in form earlier in the season dragged them well into the relegation scrap.

Kit Symons had looked well on his way to steering the Cottagers into mid-table after he took charge, but one win from 12 at the beginning of 2015 saw them plummet down the standings.

The gap between themselves and Millwall in 22nd place is seven points, although the Lions have a game in hand, so a win at Bloomfield Road should be enough to ensure Fulham's Championship status.

Symonds's men edged closer to safety with a 1-1 draw against relegation rivals Rotherham United at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening.

After this weekend's visit to Blackpool, they face promotion contenders Middlesbrough and Norwich City in their final two fixtures, which only heightens the importance of taking at least a point from this game.

Recent form: LWLDDD



Team News

Ross McCormack of Fulham shoots past the Wigan Athletic defence to score their first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Wigan Athletic at Craven Cottage on April 10, 2015© Getty Images

Clark might resist making changes to the Blackpool side, as his relegated charges look to find some form at the end of a disappointing season.

Darren O'Dea returned from injury in time to face Derby and he is expected to take his place in the centre of defence alongside Peter Clarke.

Symons made three changes to his side for the Rotherham game, but he might be tempted to stick with the same starting XI, given the experienced options that he has available again.

This would mean Bryan Ruiz retaining his place in midfield, with Ross McCormack partnering Matt Smith in attack.

Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Parish, Maher, Clarke, O'Dea, Dunne, Cubero, O'Hara, Perkins, Orlandi, Cameron, Madine.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Bettinelli, Richards, Turner, Burn, Husband, Parker, Guthrie, Tunnicliffe, Ruiz, McCormack, Smith.



Head To Head

There has been little to separate these two sides down the years after 103 meetings, with Blackpool winning 36 times, Fulham 35 and 32 draws.

The Tangerines have won 26 of the 51 meetings that have taken place at Bloomfield Road, which might provide Clark's men with some encouragement.

Blackpool were on course to pick up their first away win of the campaign in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, as they raced into a 2-0 lead at Craven Cottage, but goals from Scott Parker and Ruiz rescued a 2-2 draw for the Cottagers.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Blackpool 1-1 Fulham

With Blackpool's last win coming three months ago and Fulham winless in their last four, all the signs point to a draw. Blackpool's improved performances of late will offer some hope, but Fulham's goal threat of Smith and McCormack will give them a good chance of taking something from their trip to the seaside.



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Ben Pringle of Rotherham United battles with Ryan Tunnicliffe of Fulham during the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Rotherham United at Craven Cottage on April 15, 2015
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