Blackpool and Charlton meet at Bloomfield Road this weekend in the ‘we sacked Michael Appleton’ derby.
Sadly, for Charlton fans, at least, that is the only rivalry they have, with a chasm between them regarding league position. A beleaguered Appleton was dismissed as Charlton tumbled down the table without a win in their last twelve matches. They’ve lost six of their last seven, and despite having play-off ambitions at the start of the season, survival is now the first aim.
Blackpool are on a different trajectory. They’ve won their last three league matches, took Nottingham Forest to extra time in the FA Cup, and are just four points outside the top six. Having dropped out of the Championship last season, with Appleton in charge for a portion of the season, they’re aiming to bounce straight back.
Both are sizeable clubs, arguably with better years behind them. Both have played Premier League football and, under a means-tested wage cap, would be among the bigger spenders in the division. However, as they take to the field tomorrow, one is on the up, and the other is entering a period of uncertainty.
How do our Real EFL pundits envisage the game going?
Ivan Newsome
“At the start of the season, we may well have looked at this game as one that would have severe implications on the automatic spots, let alone the play-off positions. Yet going into the matchup, both sides are outside of the play-offs, with Blackpool 8th and Charlton a severely underwhelming 16th.
“Blackpool will be chasing that final spot, and with Stevenage and Oxford United the two teams directly above them, they’ll be confident that they can creep into that position prior to the commencement of the season. Having won three on the bounce, they’re in a far better position than a few weeks ago, and they’ll go into this as favourites.
“This will be Charlton’s first game since Michael Appleton was sacked, and improvements can be expected from the Addicks. I do feel as if the players somewhat stopped playing for Appleton, and it’ll certainly be an interesting game to monitor.
“With Jordan Rhodes and Alfie May leading the line of their respective teams, goals can obviously be expected. Charlton will improve, but not by enough to get past the Tangerines.”
Blackpool 3-1 Charlton
Charlie Beeston
“This was originally going to be billed as Appleton returning to face his former club, yet his midweek sacking now presents a totally different challenge for Charlton. With Blackpool’s impressive home record and their run of form in the league, which has not seen them lose a game since the turn of the year, the Seasiders will want to ensure that their visitors cannot gain a new manager bounce, even if the new man in the dugout is only in interim charge.
“Although the London club have made eye-catching moves this window, I struggle to see this being enough this weekend as Blackpool wish to edge ever closer to the top six, even though I do predict a tight affair.”
Blackpool 2-1 Charlton
Gary Hutchinson
“This looks like it is only going one way, but don’t be so sure of that.
“Whilst it looks like a home win all day long, there could be a bounce after moving Appleton on. Sometimes, a relationship between the club and the manager can restrict progress. Charlton have a good squad, and in Alfie May, there are goals to be had. The transfer window has been relatively strong, and there could be a new-found freedom to their play, which takes Blackpool by surprise.
“Whilst the hosts haven’t been on a bad run, there is a certain fragile element to them at times. If the visitors got an early lead, I think there’s every chance they take something from this game”
Blackpool 0-1 Charlton
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
