Verdict: Ashley Fletcher over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could prove to be a season-defining showdown from the foot of the League One table, Blackpool will welcome Burton to Bloomfield Road on Saturday afternoon.

Blackpool

Starting with the hosts, while some in Blackpool’s camp might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign with their sights set on mounting a genuine play-off charge, Ian Evatt’s side have a major battle on their hands in the race to keep hold of their League One status. Opening Saturday’s six-pointer sat in the relegation zone, the Seasiders have rightfully come under serious scrutiny this season. Despite securing a rollercoaster 3-2 victory against Port Vale earlier in the month, Blackpool have won just a pair of their previous 12 appearances – a run that stems back to January 24th. Facing what is certainly a monumental challenge this weekend as they desperately try and find a route out of the drop zone, Evatt’s camp should take some solace from their recent success on home soil. It should be highlighted, the former Bolton boss has seen his squad register seven points from their previous three League One battles at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool Team News

Away representing Norther Ireland this week, former Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will not play any part here. Enduring a nightmare spell since arriving from Burnley on loan during the January transfer window, one-time Southampton youngster Michael Obafemi is not expected to feature this weekend.

Finding the net in two of his previous three League One appearances and notching 15 third-tier strikes so far this season, one-time West Ham misfit Ashley Fletcher will lead the line on Saturday afternoon.

Burton Albion

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways last week as they snatched an eye-catching 2-1 victory at home against Bradford, Burton will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Travelling to Bloomfield Road this weekend holding a four-point buffer over slipping into the drop zone, Gary Bowyer’s side have won two of their previous three League One appearances. Although the Brewers might have shown some extended inconsistencies this season, the former Blackpool boss has also seen his squad gain a recent reputation for their rugged approach. However, despite suffering just a sole defeat on their travels over the past couple of months, Burton do hold a nightmare record at Bloomfield Road. In fact, Saturday’s guests have lost their last three straight trips to Blackpool by an aggregate score of 7-1.

Burton Albion Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition since the middle of November, former Chelsea youngster Charlie Webster remains on the sidelines. Likewise, fWrexham loanee Seb Revan is still sidelined with a muscle injury and will not play any part this weekend.

Completing a season-long loan switch from Coventry last summer, Bradley Collins will start between the sticks. Finding the net against Bradford last week and notching a ninth League One strike of the season, Tyrese Shade will lead the line on Saturday afternoon.

Blackpool vs Burton Albion Key Factors to Consider

• When Blackpool last welcomed Burton to Bloomfield Road back in September 2024, Saturday’s hosts collected a routine 3-0 victory.
• In fact, Blackpool have won their last three home meetings against Burton by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• The Seasiders have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous 12 consecutive League One appearances.
• Burton have lost just one of their previous five appearances on the road.
• Including two goals in his previous three appearances, Ashley Fletcher has registered 15 League One goals this season.

Conclusion

In what is a real relegation six-pointer at the foot of the League One table this weekend, we look set for what should be a nail-biting afternoon from Bloomfield Road. Opening Saturday’s showdown sat in the relegation zone, Blackpool will have a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Landing a thumping 3-0 victory when they last welcomed Burton to town back in September 2024, Evatt’s downbeat squad will be dreaming of a repeat performance this week.

Verdict: Ashley Fletcher over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster