Blackpool will take on Reading in round 1 of the English Championship. The match will take place at Bloomfield Road (Blackpool) on Saturday, July 30, 2013.
BLACKPOOL enters its second season at Championship level. The Premier League success of the Mandarins under Ollie Holloway is a highlight of their history. After a year-long, bright stay at the top level of English football, there was a fall to League 2, the fourth level. After a long hiatus, it was possible to make a comeback in 2021 only by playing in the play-offs. The newcomer finished 16th with 60 points. Neil Critchley, the man behind these success stories, resigned from the project to serve as Steven Gerrard’s assistant. Michael Appleton was re-inducted as manager, having previously worked several years at Lincoln. The composition of the team has not changed, and this stability will be a huge help in the fight for survival.
Reading wants to improve on last seasoniu. The Royals have a controversial past. It could have ended in the spring with League 1 relegation. Particularly since 6 points were taken for financial violations. Derby County was subject to the same, but more severe, sanctions. Even though Derby County had 41 points, they were able to finish 21st in the “savings” standings. Paul Ince was able to keep his job after he took over the role of manager in February. His son Tom was one of the newcomers to the summer. However, he isn’t bad at football either (although he didn’t reach the heights of his father). Free of charge, experienced performers like Shane Long and Sam Hutchinson showed up. Their strength suffices to archive the Championship’s most difficult tasks.
BLACKPOOL won both of the games last season. On the road, the newcomer won with a score 3-2. However, he scored a crushing 4-1 win at home in February. Both teams know that the season ahead is difficult and it is better to score points right away. We will be focusing on the option with “over 2.5” goals, taking into consideration the entertainment from the matches.
Prediction: More than 2.5 goals.
