Blackpool will host Barrow in the first round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, having had a mixed start to the new Championship campaign with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Blackpool manager Michael Appleton would have been hoping for a repeat of last season’s opening day victory over Reading when his side traveled to Stoke City on Saturday.
However, goals from Bojan and Marko Arnautović condemned Blackpool to a 2-1 defeat and left Appleton to accept that there is much work ahead to keep his side out of trouble this season.
New signings Charlie Patino and Stephen Humphrys should give the team an extra spark in the centre of the pitch, but they will be going up against a Barrow side who were ecstatic with the outcome of their opening two games.
Despite a defence that has conceded six goals in two games, Pete Wild’s Barrow has started the season with wins against Scarborough and Bradford. Josh Gordon scored in added time to give the Bluebirds an unlikely victory over the Bantams at the weekend, extending their 100% record from last season.
While Wild may have concerns about his team’s defence, Barrow’s start to the campaign is well beyond expectations, and it gives them a free shot at trying to extend that run against higher-profile opponents.
Blackpool vs. Barrow Head to Head
Both sides have three games against each other, with the hosts taking two wins and the visitors with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Stoke City 2-0 Blackpool
- Blackpool 1-0 Reading
- Blackpool 2-4 Everton
- Salford City 0-1 Blackpool
Away
- Barrow 3-2 Bradford
- Stockport 2-3 Barrow
- Barrow 0-1 Salford
- South Shields 1-2 Barrow
Blackpool Team News
Theo Patino, Shayne Lavery, and Theo Corbeanu are expected to be among the players who will start for Blackpool. Jordan Thorniley is in line to feature in the middle of the backline, while goalkeeper Chris Maxwell is expected to line up between the sticks.
Barrow City Team News
Gary Madine is unlikely to play for Bolton after being withdrawn with a shin injury on Saturday. Sam McClelland and John Rooney are expected to be given opportunities in the team, as is Josh Kay after his contribution from the substitutes’ bench against Bradford.
Prediction and Odds
Blackpool is expected to name a young side for the trip to Barrow, who will have home advantage. However, Blackpool should still have enough quality in their ranks to come through with the win, potentially by the odd goal in three.
- Home Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 1.5
