Fleetwood Town take on Blackpool FC on Saturday 7 March 2020 at Highbury Stadium, and we have all you need to know ahead of kick-off in our match preview.
Fixture: Fleetwood Town v Blackpool FC
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 7 March 2020
Kick-off: 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Highbury Stadium, Park Avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 6TX.
Match officials: John Busby (Referee), Anthony Moore and Graeme Fyvie (Assistants), Joseph Johnson (Fourth Official)
Saturday’s match between Fleetwood and Blackpool will be Mr. Busby’s first visit to Highbury this season. He did referee Town’s Emirates FA Cup First Round tie against Barnet, which saw Joey Barton’s side win 2-0. He was in the middle for the Cod Army’s trip to Southend in September as Town drew 3-3.
Busby has officiated 32 games this season in all competitions, and branched out 121 yellow cards and five red cards.
FLEETWOOD TOWN
The Cod Army are back at Highbury Stadium after back to back away trips to Sunderland and Ipswich Town. Fleetwood will be looking to back up that Tuesday night win at Ipswich Town, and extend their unbeaten run.
Town started well on Tuesday and an early knock to Callum Connolly meant Joey Barton was forced into an early change. Ched Evans came on and scored just before half-time with a neat finish past the goalkeeper. Town did hold out to secure three points.
When you look back at the last six seasons since Fleetwood got promoted to League One, after 32 league matches played, it’s the best points tally collected since the 2016/17 campaign – where the club reached the play-offs.
There are no new injury concerns, with Town’s head coach looking to keep the ten game unbeaten run going against an inform Blackpool side - who have won their last two games.
BLACKPOOL
The visitors to Highbury Stadium on Saturday currently sit in 13th in Sky Bet League One after back to back wins at Bloomfield Road.
In the last game, Blackpool took a first half-half lead against Ipswich Town thanks to Leicester loanee Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - who scored for the second consecutive match. Ipswich did pull level with Freddie Sears’ second half strike, but the Seasiders won the game in added on time through a Joe Nuttall header.
In the week, Blackpool appointed Liverpool's U23s head coach Neil Critchley as their head coach on a two-and-a-half year deal. This will be his first match in charge of the Tangerines.
ONE TO WATCH – LIAM FEENEY
One for all Town fans to keep an eye out for is Winger Liam Feeney. Feeney has been a huge part of Blackpool's goals this season as he has assisted 14 and scored one of their 43 goals this season.
Feeney has the most assists in League One this season and is joint 2nd in the whole top four divisions - joint top with Charlie Kirk of Crewe Alexandra and only behind Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
Feeney started his career at Southend United and has had spells at Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, Ipswich, Feeney joined Blackpool from Blackburn. Feeney has got four assists in his last six games. He is predominantly a winger, but has been playing wing back of late in a back five.
WATCH THE GAME ON iFOLLOW
If you can’t make Saturday’s match against Blackpool don’t worry as we have it covered with iFollow – meaning you can live stream or just listen to full match commentary in the comfort of your own home.
Supporters based in the United Kingdom and Ireland can pay just £2.50 for an Audio Match Pass.
For fans based overseas, or for those who are on holiday abroad, they will be able to watch the match on iFollow for JUST £5 – What are you waiting for? BUY YOUR MATCH PASS HERE!
If you want to know more about iFollow, and find out ways to support the Cod Army, click HERE. (terms and conditions)
Any further questions on iFollow Fleetwood, please contact sam.fielding@fleetwoodtownfc.com, or email the EFL on iFollow@efl.com.
WHAT JOEY BARTON HAD TO SAY
Fleetwood Town head coach Joey Barton spoke to the media on Thursday at Poolfoot Farm, and you can watch his full interview on iFollow.
WHAT NEIL CRITCHLEY HAD TO SAY
“It’s been a whirlwind last few days and week, but it’s been great to get out on the grass over the last couple of days. Some of the staff and players have been saying I brought the sunshine with me, so long may that continue.
“But I’ve enjoyed the last few days. The people have been so welcoming and so friendly and I’m delighted to be part of this football club. I’ve found the group exactly what I thought they were going to be after I watched a lot of the games prior to coming here.
“There’s a real spirit and togetherness amongst them and their attitude towards training and the enthusiasm they’ve shown has been first class. This is my assessment of them over the last 48 hours. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of days and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.”
HOW TO GET YOUR MATCHDAY TICKETS
Tickets for the match will remain on sale until kick-off. Supporters will be able to buy theirs at the Club Shop at Highbury. Fans can also purchase their tickets online, or head down to the ground on the day of the game – prices are as followed:
Adults from - £24
Seniors & Under 25s from - £19
Under 16s from - £9
If you require further details on tickets, please contact the Ticket Office on 01253 775080, or visit the Club Shop prior to the match.
SKY BET’S BETTING ODDS
Fleetwood are 4/5 to pick up all three points at home against Blackpool. A draw between the two sides is priced at 23/10, with the away side 10/3 to win on the road.
One of Sky Bets’ price boosts are for Fleetwood to win and for both teams to score – 7/2.
For Joey Barton’s side to beat Blackpool 2-1, you can get odds of 8/1.
For more odds on SkyBet, click HERE Please remember to bet and gamble responsibly.
