Blackpool face a tough away test at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday this Sunday. The Seasiders travel to face a side sitting ninth in League One, while they themselves are 20th with 11 points from 11 games.
Sheffield Wednesday are without a permanent manager after Henrik Pedersen was dismissed following consecutive defeats. Matt Hamshaw is serving as interim manager for the second time and oversaw a 1-1 home draw against Cambridge United in midweek. Hamshaw is managing the Owls for the second and potentially last time this weekend. The club is actively searching for a new permanent boss, with interviews reportedly underway.
Blackpool have lost six of their last eight league matches, including a 4-1 home defeat to Mansfield Town last week. Their recent form of two wins and three losses from the last five leaves them just a point above the relegation zone. They have suffered four consecutive away losses and have managed just one win from five games on the road this season, scoring only four goals in those matches.
Predicted Wednesday line-up
Sheffield Wednesday are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation. The predicted line-up includes Burstow, Valery, Weaver, Lowe, James, Mitchell, Heskey, Gray, Slattery, DKD, and AMB. Some observers predict a comfortable home win, with forecasts of a 3-0 victory featuring two goals from Burstow and one from DKD. The Owls have drawn their last two home league games and will be aiming for a first win at Hillsborough in over a month.
Blackpool's key absences
Blackpool will be without suspended forward Jamal Lowe and are also dealing with striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who is struggling for fitness. The team's defensive record shows 20 goals conceded in 11 league games, contributing to a negative goal difference. Their most recent result was a 3-2 win over Aston Villa's under-21 side in a midweek fixture, with goals from Zachary Ashworth, Jerry Yates from the penalty spot, and Jordan Brown. Manager Neil Critchley has emphasized the need for greater defensive solidity and resilience on the road.
Looking at the full fixtures schedule, this match is a key opportunity for Blackpool to halt their poor away form. A victory would provide a significant boost ahead of the next phase of the season. The team's last away win in the league came at Stockport County last season, a 2-1 result they will be keen to replicate. The game at Hillsborough kicks off on Sunday, 1 November. Sheffield Wednesday have won the last three meetings between the two sides at Hillsborough, a record Blackpool are desperate to end.
More detail at Vital Football
Blackpool's last starting lineup was a 3-1-4-2 formation in their midweek EFL Trophy win, the club's verified data shows. The side that beat Aston Villa's under-21s 3-2 featured Luke Southwood in goal with a back three of Andy Lyons, Oliver Casey and Zachary Ashworth. Jordan Brown anchored midfield behind Ianis Niskanen, Leighton Clarkson, Hayden Coulson and Finley Munroe, with Dion Charles and D'Margio Wright-Phillips up front. Blackpool, 20th in League One with 11 points from 11 games, travel to face ninth-placed Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
