Blackpool can secure a place in the play offs by avoiding Doncaster defeat

Blackpool only need a point in their last two games to secure a playoff place, but Neil Critchley will want the job done on Tuesday night.

The Seasiders head into the midweek rearranged fixture against Doncaster after back-to-back wins away at Sunderland and Northampton and a return to home comforts to face an out of form Donny will serve the perfect opportunity to secure their top six status.

Back-to-back defeats away to Rochdale and at home to Shrewsbury brought about concern that Blackpool were going to tail off at the back end of the season but a superb defensive effort at the Stadium of Light reinvigorated the Tangerines.

They backed that up with a convincing 3-0 victory against the Cobblers that saw the hosts relegated from the division and, with results going their way again, Blackpool are firmly in command of their promotion fate.

Keshi Anderson’s surprise return at the weekend added a much needed boost to a stretched squad with a warm-up concern for Sullay Kaikai meaning he dropped out of the starting lineup with minutes to go before kick off.

Neil Critchley allowed Blackpool supporters to breathe a sigh of relief stating that Kaikai’s late omission from the squad was purely about not risking a flair up and that he is expected to return on Tuesday night.

Grant Ward picked up a knock against Sunderland and consequently missed the Northampton game and is expected to miss out again for this one, but Kevin Stewart’s recovery from injury adds a much needed number into the central midfield.

Ethan Robson has looked assured in midfield since his reintroduction into the squad but he was forced off midway through the first half at Northampton with yet another injury.

Top scorer and general figurehead Jerry Yates notched a double at the weekend following a barren spell in front of goal, but Critchley may well choose to give the forward a much needed rest as risk of injury grows week upon week.

As for the visitors, they will want to see the back of this season as soon as possible.

What started out as a promotion push under Darren Moore has quickly ran dry with Andy Butler taking the helm following Moore’s departure to Sheffield Wednesday.

With nothing to play for other than pride that may well work to their advantage with the shackles off heading to one of the toughest venues in League One this season.

An impressive 2-2 draw away at Peterborough was followed up by an away victory at Rochdale, a result that relegated the Greater Manchester outfit, and has brought an air of positivity around the Keepmoat Stadium.

Butler has switched to a 4-4-2 in recent times and it has begun to bring more steady and controlled performances in a campaign that looked to be falling apart.

However, a defensive crisis meant that Butler himself played at centre half last time out and may well be in line for another player-manager start at Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool will be raring to go for this one and have stepped up every time they have needed to in order to keep up their promotion bid, a solid performance and victory here will have the confidence flowing for the inevitable playoff semi-final.

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