Blackpool will make changes to their starting line-up for Tuesday night's EFL Trophy group stage opener away at Wigan Athletic. Head coach Ian Evatt confirmed the moves are necessary due to international call-ups and a need to give players minutes.
Evatt said the team must improve after a difficult run of league form. Blackpool sit 15th in League One with eight points from seven games, having taken just one point from their last four outings. Their most recent result was a 4-2 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
"We need to perform better than what we’ve done in the last three league games," said Ian Evatt, the manager. "It’s about finding ourselves a little bit again."
Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell and striker Dion Charles are with Northern Ireland, while midfielder Karoy Anderson is on Jamaica duty. Luke Southwood will step in for Peacock-Farrell in goal. Evatt also confirmed Ilmari Niskanen and Andy Lyons are ready to play, though he expressed concern over Niskanen's recent shoulder issue.
The trip to the Brick Community Stadium begins Blackpool's EFL Trophy campaign, with home games against Crewe Alexandra and Aston Villa Under-21s to follow next month. Evatt stated the selected side will be as strong as possible to target a win.
Blackpool's focus then returns to League One, with a visit to 20th-placed Notts County scheduled for next Saturday.
More detail at blackpoolgazette.co.uk
