Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Derby County will be aiming to make amends for a 1-0 loss to Northampton Town when they take on Blackpool in the League One round 41. The Rams are eyeing their fourth consecutive win at home ground, but they will have to prove their worth on the field. Experienced midfielder Sonny Bradley is banned for the match, while both Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Tyrese Fornah should be fit to face the Seasiders.
Meanwhile, the visiting team, aim to recover from a 1-0 loss to Wigan, but seeing that they have already suffered ten defeats on the road this term, home win should be considered. Jordan Rhodes faces race against the clock to be fit for Friday’s encounter, with Shayne Lavery being ready to step up if needed. Anyhow, we are going to bet on Derby County this time out as Blackpool are not regarded as good travellers.
Highlighted Player (Conor Hourihane):
Conor Hourihane is an Irish footballer who plays for Barnsley. The midfielder was born on 2 February, 1991 and he started his youth career at Premier League club Sunderland. In 2011 he joined Plymouth Argyle and he spent three years at Home Park.
After scoring 15 goals in 125 appearances for the Pilgrims in 2014 Hourihane decided to take next big step in his career. On 23 June he signed a three-year deal with Barnsley for a fee of £250,000. In August he won the League One Player of the Month award and, no doubt, he made a flying start to his Barnsley career. Hourihane made 46 appearances for the Tykes in the 2014/2015 League One campaign, scoring 15 goals and he certainly helped the team return to the Championship.
The Irish midfielder has eight caps for the U-21 team. His main position is central midfield, but he is capable of playing as defensive and left midfielder as well. Conor Hourihane is a right-footed footballer.
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.