By Liam Cottam
August 9 2014
Tommorow sees the return of the championship football calendar and Blackpool face a tough test to kick off the season with. Travelling to Nottingham Forest as the overwhelming outsider in terms of bookies odds. Blackpool are favourites to be relegated after an unsettled summer, the squad hastily put together over the last week, has had very little time training together and very few have had game time. That said the signings of Ishmeal Miller, Cuberro, Joe Lewis and others have risen hopes amongst fans although one things for certain Blackpool have never started a season in such an unprepared way before.
Blackpool carry no injury worries into this game but picking a starting line up is merely guess work at this point. Personally I'd expect those players who've spent the summer here on trial training to get the starting places. But that said pool need a good start to start building some confidence and to shake off the summer so perhaps Riga may take a few risks In his squad choice. Joe Lewis is likely to start between the sticks and The Fonz is most likely to be involved at some point.
Forest who have to lost an opening game for the past three seasons, have a number of players out injured. Jamaal Lascelles and Eric Lichaj are both out. Jack Hobbs and Chris Cohen may feature but remain doubts. Forest are the clear bookies favourites heading into this game. But Blackpool have not ben beaten in the last three visits to The City GRound and have won on three occasions so it is a ground that has previously favoured us, Forest haven't beaten us in their own back yard since 1977, so there is hope for pool fans yet.
The last time we met it finished all square. The Febuarary game at Bloomfield Road ended in a rather stale 1-1 draw. Most fans tonigh wold take a similar result in order to get points on the board. Ultimately with a full preseason under our belts, we would be going into this hoping to pick up three points. That not been the case, the feeling amongst fans I've spoke with tonight is one of uncertainty. A long ninety minutes awaits and many are hoping we manage to get away without embaress ment.
Those travelling have been advised to get there early, the game is a sell out amongst the home support and congestion is expected. No tickets are available on the day and those without a ticket are advised to stay at home. The game is available to predict on our prediction league so let us know your predictions and let us know your thoughts on the game via our message boards.
