Our prediction for this EFL Cup match:
Bloomfield Road will be the centre of attention when Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday square off against each other in a highly-anticipated EFL Cup clash. The Seasiders are eyeing their third consecutive win in all competitions and they are surely capable of making life difficult for the Championship side. Teenage forward Dominic Ballard limped off with injury in the last league match, with veteran Jordan Rhodes likely to step up.
Meanwhile, the Owls head into the midweek game following a 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers. As the Hillsborough Stadium outfit are not regarded as good travellers, we are tempted to place our bets on draw. You should bear in mind that under 2.5 goals have been netted in each of their last six meetings in all competitions. Dutch forward Anthony Musaba is likely to sneak into Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI, while goalkeeper Ben Hamer remains on the sidelines with injury.
Highlighted Player (Reece James):
Reece James is a talented Chelsea defender who plays for Wigan Athletic on loan. Born in Redbridge, England on December 8, 1999, James started his youth career at Chelsea football academy at the age of 6. The talented teenager played for England U18 and U19 teams and he currently represents the U20 team on the international stage.
Reece James scored 3 goals in 45 appearances for Wigan in the 2018/2019 Championship campaign, but that did not help the Latics avoid relegation to the League One. His numbers from the 2018/2019 season are impressive as he completed 91 successful tackles, 54 blocks, 44 successful dribbles and 93 clearances.
James, on the other hand, has yet to find the net for the England U20 national team. His main position is right back, but he is capable of playing as both centre-back and defensive midfielder as well. Reece James turned professional in March 2017.
Highlighted Team (Blackpool):
Blackpool FC are a professional English club based in Blackpool, Lancashire. Considering that Blackpool is a seaside town, it is no surprise they are nicknamed the Seasiders. Founded back in 1887, the club play their home matches at Bloomfield Road, which can hold up to 17,338 spectators. In the 2009/2010 season Blackpool secured promotion to the Premier League, but they were not competitive at this level, suffering relegation to the Championship the following season.
The club’s biggest success, though, came in 1953 when they defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-3 in the FA Cup final. Blackpool are well known for their orange shirts, but the dominant colour of their away kit is white. Preston are considered the club’s biggest rivals, with the two teams facing each other in the West Lancashire derby.
Charlie Adam, who played for Liverpool and has 26 caps for Scotland national team, is regarded as one of the club’s most notable players.