Football – England – Championship
Saturday 5th November 2011 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Blackpool take on Millwall at Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon knowing that another win in this fixture could lift them up into the play-off places.
Few would have predicted their midweek 5-0 away win at Leeds United as Ian Holloway’s men destroyed the home side in an absolute freak result it must be said. Leeds won’t lose again in such a manner at home this season I’m sure, but the attacking way that Blackpool play, I wouldn’t be surprised if they deal out another scoreline like this given that they’ve already beaten Bristol City 5-0 at home earlier in October.
A hat-trick by Jonjo Shelvey and a brace from Lomana Lua Lua did for Simon Grayson’s men as Leeds received a very rude wake-up call in their own back-yard.
The Seasiders have been pretty solid at home so far this season with a record of 4-1-2 13/6, and despite missing one of their key players Gary Taylor-Fletcher (4 goals, 4 assists) for a few weeks, the introduction of Lomana Lua Lua has certainly made an instant impact (2 goals,1 assist). Striker Kevin Phillips (6 goals) is their leading scorer, along with attacking midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (5 goals, 1 assist), and no fewer than 13 different players have contributed at least one assist!
Blackpool have recorded home wins over Peterborough United, Ipswich Town, Bristol City and Doncaster Rovers and will be keen to return to winning ways on home soil following their recent 1-2 setback against rejuvenated Nottingham Forest.
Millwall make the trip up north on the back of a promising run of improved performances and seek to extend their five match unbeaten sequence following a good 3-0 win at Leicester City and two back-to-back home wins over Ipswich Town 4-1 and Coventry City 3-0.
However, Millwall tend not to travel too well and that win at Leicester is their only away win so far – losses at Southampton, Birmingham City, Derby County and Watford have pegged back their progress in the Championship as they’ve lost only once at home to date.
Millwall have failed to score in three of their seven road trips and their away record overall stands at 1-2-4 7/12. Forward Darius Henderson (8 goals, 3 assists) is undoubtedly their stand-out danger man but he’s backed up by midfielders Liam Feeney and Liam Trotter (3 goals apiece) and Jay Simpson (3 goals, 2 assists).
For this match though, I just can’t ignore the importance of Blackpool’s recent demolition of Leeds away, and despite Millwall’s upturn in form I can’t see the hosts losing this one – Blackpool to win 2-1.
Pick: Blackpool straight win @ 2.17 Pinnacle looks a decent price