Nottingham Forest will be bidding to build on their recent strong form when they face Blackpool in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
At a time when the visitors have moved outside of the Premier League relegation zone, the home side remain in the bottom three in the Championship.
Match preview
© Reuters
Not so long ago, there was talk of Steve Cooper being removed from his position as Forest head coach, a consequence of five successive defeats in the top flight.
Since then, just three losses have come in 10 matches, two of which were away to Arsenal and Manchester United, and Wednesday's 1-0 triumph over Southampton has moved the club into 15th place in the standings.
Combined with reaching the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Forest find themselves in excellent shape heading into the second half of the campaign, and Cooper will appreciate that his side now have the chance to enjoy a memorable first campaign back in the top flight.
An FA Cup run will now be bottom of their agenda, yet it is an opportunity to make use of one of the biggest squads in the Premier League.
Forest are unbeaten in their last five encounters with Blackpool, the East Midlands side running out 4-1 victors at Bloomfield Road as recently as April.
© Reuters
From Blackpool's perspective, Michael Appleton will be more than happy to have a weekend away from Championship action given his side's current plight.
The Seasiders are without a win in nine matches in the second tier, although positives will be taken from four of the last five fixtures ending in draws.
Their only defeat during that time came at home to second-placed Sheffield United, and a 1-1 stalemate was earned versus in-form Sunderland last time out.
Despite their lack of wins, Blackpool remain in 22nd spot in the standings, but they have not prevailed at their North West home since October 22.
- W
- W
- W
- L
- D
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Kenneth Dougall and Jerry Yates are both in contention to earn a recall to the Blackpool XI.
However, Appleton may opt against making widespread alterations, and Callum Connolly is available for selection with his upcoming one-match ban only applying to Championship games.
With an EFL Cup quarter-final with Wolverhampton Wanderers to come next week, Cooper may take the opportunity to rotate his Forest starting lineup.
The likes of Remo Freuler and Brennan Johnson may retain their spots due to five players currently being unavailable due to injury.
While Lewis O'Brien could return to the squad, there is speculation regarding a possible move away from the City Ground.
Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Grimshaw; Connolly, Ekpiteta, Thorniley, Husband; Carey, Patino, Dougall; Yates, Madine, Lavery
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Hennessey; Williams, Cook, McKenna, Toffolo; Scarpa, Freuler, Colback; Johnson, Surridge, Dennis
We say: Blackpool 1-3 Nottingham Forest
Blackpool may welcome the chance to focus their attention away from league matters, hoping that it leads to a rare win. However, Forest have strength in depth and players who want to impress, leading us to predict a relatively comfortable win for the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
