Blackpool manager Ian Evatt is predicted to make one change to his starting lineup for the League One trip to face Reading this weekend. The Seasiders head to the Select Car Leasing Stadium looking to respond after suffering their first defeat of the 2026-27 campaign. Evatt is set to adjust his side following a 2-1 midweek loss away at Barnsley's Oakwell ground.
Blackpool currently sit third in the League One table with seven points from their opening four matches. Their record of two wins, one draw, and one loss gives them a solid platform, and they have scored eight goals while conceding just four. The defeat at Barnsley halted a positive start, but the team remains just three points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town.
The predicted change focuses on the attacking areas, influenced by ongoing injury issues. Winger CJ Hamilton has been ruled out for a significant period, between 10 and 12 weeks, due to a knee problem. Midfielder George Honeyman is also unavailable as he recovers from a calf issue and is not expected back until after the upcoming international break. These absences limit Evatt's options as he looks to refresh his team for the challenge of a Reading side fresh from a 5-0 victory over Mansfield Town.
Evatt's predicted starting eleven and bench, as outlined by the Gazette, suggests a tactical tweak rather than a major overhaul. The single alteration is anticipated to come in the forward line, with one player dropping to the substitutes' bench to make way for a fresh option. The core defensive unit and midfield are likely to remain intact, providing stability as Blackpool aim to tighten up after conceding twice in Yorkshire.
With Hamilton and Honeyman sidelined, the squad's depth is being tested early in the season. The predicted bench includes a mix of experienced cover and younger players ready to make an impact if called upon. This situation makes the club's squad page a useful resource for fans tracking availability. Evatt will be hoping the international break allows time for recovery, but for now, he must work with the fit players at his disposal to maintain a strong league position.
Reading present a formidable challenge, especially given their emphatic result in the previous round. Blackpool's trip south is a key fixture in a busy early-season schedule. A positive result would keep pressure on the teams above them in the standings. The Seasiders' form reads LWWD, showing they can bounce back from setbacks, and their goal difference of +4 is among the best in the division. Securing points on the road will be important for any promotion aspirations.
Looking beyond the Reading match, Blackpool's next fixture is a home game against Bromley on September 12th. Bromley are currently 19th in the table, offering a different kind of test at Bloomfield Road. Fans can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The focus for now, however, is entirely on producing a performance at Reading that gets the season back on a winning track immediately.
