Blackpool will want to end the season with a win and secure third place ahead of the League One play-offs

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The Tangerines are hopeful of securing third place in League One as they prepare for a thrilling play-off campaign.

Neil Critchley’s side secured their play-off place with a composed and professional 2-0 victory over struggling Doncaster at Bloomfield Road in midweek and they will see the final day fixture against Bristol Rovers as a chance to take momentum into the play-offs.

As things stand the Seasiders sit in third place but with Sunderland and Lincoln just a point behind, they could potentially finish as low as fifth.

Whilst security of the play-offs has been achieved, they will want to finish in a position that gives them the chance to play the second-leg of the semi-final at Bloomfield Road with the potential of supporters in the stadium increasingly likely.

Injury concerns came to the forefront against Doncaster with Jordan Gabriel being substituted at half-time with a calf concern, although Critchley made it clear that this was merely a precaution as the play-offs loom closer.

Similar caution was shown with Kevin Stewart and James Husband who were both substituted after they received yellow cards, despite the fact Stewart came on at half-time and only played 15 minutes.

Ellis Simms put in his finest performance yet for the Tangerines following his arrival on loan from Everton and Critchley will no doubt keep him in place to try and build confidence and momentum for the post-season matchups.

However, Jerry Yates could be one player who misses out for this one, having partaken in almost all of Blackpool’s games this season he is overdue a rest.

Grant Ward and Sullay Kaikai remain absent after picking up knocks against Sunderland, with CJ Hamilton, Gary Madine, Daniel Gretarsson, Matty Virtue and Bez Lubala just a few who remain long-term absentees.

Visitors Bristol Rovers have suffered a miserable campaign, with Joey Barton’s arrival not able to spark a reinvigoration in form and has resulted in their relegation to League Two.

Barton has been outspoken and controversial throughout his short time in Bristol and he has a history with Blackpool that will no doubt spice up the affair.

His links to the Seasiders’ neighbours Fleetwood saw a number of fiery encounters, particularly between him and Simon Grayson, but Neil Critchley quickly took on the challenge with the same ferocity as his predecessor.

Barton will want to end the final day with a shock victory to not only get one over a club he’s had many battles with but also to bring some form of positivity heading into Rovers’ next campaign.

That being said, Blackpool have switched to a back three in recent weeks and it has paid dividends with the team getting back to their fluid best.

Chance creation has returned however they will want to be more clinical than they were last time out and Bristol Rovers are the perfect warm-up to showcase just that as a potential two-legged battle with one of a potential five different clubs awaits.

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