Pool to bag Albion point
Blackpool v WBA
Blackpool will be able to test their promotion credentials on Wednesday night when they entertain high-flying West Brom.
The seventh-placed Seasiders have shrugged off their tag of pre-season relegation favourites and are dreaming of the Premier League but will face a stiff examination from Roberto Di Matteo’s stylish Baggies.
Ian Holloway’s outfit had to make do with a point on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Coventry at the Ricoh Arena.
The Tangerines had Brett Ormerod sent off early into the second half after the veteran striker allegedly clashed with highly-rated Icelander Aron Gunnarsson.
But they took the lead after 69 minutes when on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan smashed in a 25-yard thunderbolt, only to be denied victory when Pool defender Alex Baptiste inadvertently put the ball in his own net seven minutes from time.
The Lancastrians – who have lost just twice at home this term – had more luck on the final day of the transfer window, bringing in three players.
Leicester frontman DJ Campbell – who enjoyed a temporary stint at Bloomfield Road during the last campaign – has joined on loan until June, as has Swansea forward Stephen Dobbie, while teenage Hearts midfielder Stephen Husband has been snapped up for a nominal fee.
Third-placed West Brom were also active on Monday, signing Feyenoord winger Andwele “Andy” Slory and shipping out Shelton Martis and Filipe Teixeira to Doncaster and Barnsley respectively.
The Midlanders – who lost out to Wigan in the race for Crystal Palace attacker Victor Moses – won for the first time in four at the weekend, beating Sheffield United 3-1 at The Hawthorns.
Albion – who could leap into the top two with victory – hold the best away record in the second tier, having been defeated only once on their travels this term – at Barnsley in September.
And The Baggies prevailed the last time they played at Bloomfield Road when three goals in the final ten minutes saw them topple the Seasiders 3-1 in the Championship two seasons ago.
Di Matteo’s men won’t be as exultant this time though, with Blackpool clinging on to their coattails and claiming a point.
Verdict: Blackpool 2-2 WBA