Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has admitted that his team faces a challenging set of fixtures as they look to regain consistency during the festive period.
After a frustrating loss to Aston Villa’s under-21s in the EFL Trophy, the Seasiders are set to host Stevenage at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, marking their first home League One fixture in over a month.
Home Form Under Scrutiny
The Tangerines have struggled to find their rhythm at home, with their last victory in front of their supporters coming 12 weeks ago. However, their recent away form has been a positive note, securing wins against Reading, Bristol Rovers, and Shrewsbury Town in successive matches. Bruce is eager to see this momentum translate to their performances at Bloomfield Road.
“It certainly helped, we needed it,” Bruce told Tangerines TV, reflecting on their recent away victories. “Now we’ve got to put it into our home form and find that consistency you require if you’re going to challenge.”
A Tough Run Ahead
After facing Stevenage, who are close behind Blackpool in the League One standings, Bruce’s side is set to encounter two formidable opponents on the road: Wrexham on Boxing Day and league leaders Birmingham City three days later. Bruce acknowledged the difficulty of the schedule, stating,
“We couldn’t have wished for a more difficult period after Stevenage. Wrexham and Birmingham are two of the toughest games you’ll have back-to-back.”
Despite the challenges, Bruce emphasized the importance of these fixtures, adding,
“They’re the big games you look forward to over the festive period. All the work we’ve done over the last three away games, we need to capitalize on that at home against a very decent Stevenage team.”
Stevenage Threat
Saturday’s opponents, Stevenage, have been in strong form and are known for being difficult to beat. Bruce highlighted their resilience, saying,
“They’re difficult to play against. It’s all to play for.”
A win against Stevenage could provide Blackpool with the momentum needed as they head into a demanding festive schedule.
Writer’s View
Steve Bruce’s candid acknowledgement of the challenges ahead reflects Blackpool’s current position—teetering between a resurgence and potential stagnation. The focus on converting away form into home success is vital if Blackpool are to keep pace with promotion hopefuls. While the matches against Wrexham and Birmingham City loom large, securing a win against Stevenage will be crucial for setting the tone during this critical period. These next few weeks could define Blackpool’s season, and Bruce will be relying on his experienced squad to rise to the occasion.
