Blackpool face a key away fixture against AFC Wimbledon in League One on Saturday, November 14, with both clubs needing points to move clear of the relegation zone. The Seasiders travel to The Cherry Red Records Stadium for a 3pm kick-off sitting 19th in the table, just one place and one point behind their hosts. Their record of three wins and three draws from 12 games has yielded 12 points, with a goal difference of minus four after scoring 17 and conceding 21.
Their recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five outings. The most recent was a 1-1 draw away at Sheffield Wednesday on 1 November, where Jerry Yates scored an 81st-minute equaliser, assisted by Albie Morgan.
Recent Form Analysis
Blackpool's last five matches show a mixed bag of results. Following the draw with Wednesday, they recorded a 3-2 win over Aston Villa's under-21s in the EFL Trophy, with goals from Zachary Ashworth, Jerry Yates from the penalty spot, and Jordan Brown. That victory was sandwiched between a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Mansfield Town and a 2-0 win over Milton Keynes Dons. Their form on the road in the league has been a concern, with consecutive losses at Leyton Orient and Cambridge United preceding the draw at Hillsborough.
AFC Wimbledon, managed by Johnnie Jackson, have also struggled for consistency. They have lost four of their last five matches across all competitions, including heavy defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield Town. Their sole point in that sequence came from a 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers. Like Blackpool, they have favoured a 5-3-2 formation in recent weeks, setting up a potentially tight tactical battle.
Key Player Impact
Jerry Yates' late intervention against Sheffield Wednesday highlighted his importance as a source of key goals. The team has scored 17 goals this season but conceded 21, underlining the need for greater defensive solidity to turn draws into wins.
The full fixtures list shows this is the first of a busy period, making a positive start essential. With both teams separated by a single point, the outcome could significantly alter the look of the lower reaches of the standings. Blackpool will be aiming to exploit Wimbledon's defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded five goals in their last match, to secure a first away league win since October. The squad will reconvene for training this week ahead of the journey to south London.
