EPL: Blackpool V Fulham – Saturday, 28th August

Blackpool V Fulham

Saturday, 28th August – 15:00 GMT

Blackpool

League Position: 11th
League Form: WL

Bloomfield Road is going to atmospheric to say the least as Blackpool host their first ever Premier League encounter it was promises to be a momentous occasion for the Tangerines and their passionate supporters. But the sentiments need to be put to one side when kick-off arrives as it’s down to business for the Blackpool players as they aim to make it two wins in three league games and produce an immediate response to their 6-0 thrashing handed out by Arsenal last Saturday.

So it was Arsenal who gave the Tangerines their first dose of Premiership reality at the Emirates a week ago, despatching of Ian Holloway’s side not just with ease but with a touch of class as well. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but the gulf in class between the two sides at the Emirates was vast, while it was a big contrast in fortunes for Blackpool who only a week previous had hit Wigan Athletic for four to notch up their first Premier League win.

But is the honeymoon period really over, have Blackpool now been exposed for the mediocre team that they are or do they still have enough resources within their limited squad to undo another established Premiership team? We say a definite yes to the latter question as in the early stages against Arsenal, Blackpool created a couple of decent openings which on another day, under not as much spotlight or pressure, they would have converted. Holloway’s team were also reduced to ten men midway through the first half which all but killed off the game there and then, which was a shame as up till then Blackpool weren’t fairing too bad against a team boasting tonnes of technical quality and world-class players.

A drubbing is never good for team morale and is left to Ian Holloway, who is so often the joker, to lift the spirits in the camp in time for their next assignment, a home fixture with a poor travelling Fulham. And it wasn’t as though there weren’t enough positives to take from their opening two games. Granted their defence isn’t quite up to Premiership standard, or anywhere near for that matter, but they are, believe it or not, a nifty attacking outfit and I can assure everyone that Blackpool will score goals this season, as they did at the DW on the opening day of the season. So don’t write the Tangerines off just yet, as we foolishly did before the start of the season, as Blackpool have every chance of outscoring opponents on their way to collecting a fair few points in the next 36 fixtures.

Fulham

League Position: 14th
League Form: DD

The Cottagers were gunning for a hat-trick of Craven Cottage wins over Manchester United in the league on Sunday but found themselves happily settling for a point as they stubbornly battled their way to a share of the spoils in an exciting 2-2 draw. It was Fulham’s second successive draw of the season, which can be viewed in many lights, although Mark Hughes is still seeking his first competitive victory as Fulham boss but will target Saturday’s trip top Blackpool as the ideal opportunity to end his wait for a Fulham win.

Once again Fulham were magnificent at home against one of England’s elite sides, frustrating United down to the bare bone when pegging the Red Devils back not once but twice to earn themselves a deserved share of the spoils in what was an enthralling contest at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora in particular was exceptional with his hold-up play and his distribution, as was Damien Duff with his menacing runs out on the right-wing, but it was Breda Hangeland which ensured Fulham fans went home the happier party when his powerful header was palmed into the side of the United net by keeper Van Der Saar. This only minutes after the Norwegian had put through his own goal and seen David Stockdale in the Fulham goal save a Nani spot-kick.

It is fair to say that Fulham are a resilient bunch, boasting that never-say-die sort of attitude which has served them well over the years in a league which has so often tested their resolve. But there’s also no hiding from the fact that Fulham are primarily a home team and rarely even come out to play on away days. Their record away from Craven Cottage last season read 3-8-8 and despite earning a hard-fought draw at Bolton on the opening day of the season, it means Fulham are one of the more vulnerable away outfits in the league. With that in mind, it makes even a simple trip to Blackpool, what is likely to be the easiest away assignment for most teams this season, seem a mountainous task for Fulham.

There is a real possibility of Blackpool putting all their eggs in one basket and playing the attacking game on Saturday meaning Fulham will somehow need to find a way past Matthew Gilks on more than one occasion. So, considering Fulham managed this very feat just twice in nineteen away fixtures last term, even points in a seemingly golden fixture could be hard to come by. 10 – the number of outings where Fulham failed to score away from home last season. They’ve already continued where they left off by failing to score at the Reebok against Bolton on the opening day of the season, but surely there’s no team more primed and ready to be skinned than Blackpool playing offensive football right in their own back yard?

Match Prediction: Blackpool to WIN – 3.20 Coral

The Tangerines will host their first ever Premier League game on Saturday, although fans would have preferred a more glamorous guest than Fulham, but beggars can’t be choosers and a year ago Blackpool were just that, with Premier League football merely a dream.

The Cottagers will arrive in Blackpool on a high following their 2-2 draw with Manchester United, although another draw, their third on the trot,wouldn’t be as impressive at Bloomfield Road considering Blackpool are one of the weakest teams in the league and this is one of a select few fixtures where Fulham are actually capable of winning away from home. However, we still aren’t convinced they’ll pick up their first win of the season away at Blackpool. Instead, we’re having a small flutter on the Tangerines bouncing back from their Arsenal hammering by clinching their first home win at the very first attempt. After all, Fulham are arguably the worst travellers in the league and will do well to pick up points away from their beloved Craven Cottage this season, that despite a change in managerial personnel.

Match Odds:

Blackpool – 3.20 Coral
Draw – 3.30 totesport
Fulham – 2.40 StanJames

Soccer-Betting Tip: Blackpool to be Winning at Half-Time – 3.75 WilliamHill