Swansea City play host to Blackpool on Wednesday evening looking to end a three-match winless streak in the Championship.
At a time when the home side sit in 15th position in the standings, Blackpool are now bottom, despite avoiding defeat in their most recent two games.
Match preview
© Reuters
After what has been perceived to be a calamitous effort in the January transfer window, everyone associated with Swansea would have hoped that it would create further unity in some way.
However, the Welsh outfit have started February by letting slip two leads versus Birmingham City to lose 4-3 and go down to a 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United.
Given his reputation, Russell Martin probably is not under too much pressure with regards to his job, although that could change if Swansea drop closer to the relegation zone.
The current margin stands at 10 points, but Swansea have posted just two wins from their last 14 encounters in the second tier.
That said, all but five of those games have been played away from their home ground, something which should be considered before automatically forming negative judgements about their recent progression.
© Reuters
From Blackpool's perspective, they make the long trip to Swansea having avoided defeat in their last two games, but Mick McCarthy will have mixed feelings.
Points were earned in home fixtures against direct rivals in Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United, the perception being that it is two opportunities missed rather than two points gained.
Wigan's victory over the former at the weekend has left the Seasiders in bottom spot, yet they are only one win away from moving outside of the bottom three.
Blackpool have not won on their travels in the Championship since beating Coventry City on October 29, a streak spanning six matches.
Team News
© Reuters
Having been comprehensively defeated by Sheffield United, Swansea boss Martin could revert back to a three-man defence for this contest.
That may see Matthew Sorinola handed a recall at right wing-back, with Liam Cullen the player to miss out further forward.
Harry Darling could return to the backline, while Morgan Whittaker is pushing for an opportunity in the final third.
With Tom Trybull missing out with a hamstring injury, Charlie Patino is in line to feature in central midfield.
Morgan Rogers and Ian Poveda-Ocampo are also in contention for a chance on the flanks.
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Fisher; Cabango, Naughton, Darling; Sorinola; Grimes, Fulton, Manning; Cooper, Ntcham; Piroe
Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Maxwell; Lyons, Connolly, Thorniley, Husband; Patino, Dougall; Bowler, Carey, Poveda-Ocampo; Yates
We say: Swansea City 2-1 Blackpool
Based on their respective last two matches, Blackpool will fancy their chances of heaping further pressure on Martin in South Wales. Nevertheless, the home side are due a change in fortunes, and we feel that their superior quality in the final third will see them come through this fixture by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
