Blackpool V Barnsley at Bloomfield Road - Match Preview




Wabara set for Blackpool bow

Reece Wabara is available to make his Blackpool debut as caretaker Steve Thompson continues in charge of the managerless npower Championship outfit against Barnsley.

Fresh from completing a spell at Oldham with the winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend, Manchester City right-back Wabara joined Pool on loan until the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest loanee Matt Derbyshire, who also enjoyed time at Boundary Park earlier this term, may push for a start in attack having played the final half hour of last weekend's 2-1 win at Wolves.

Tom Ince scored both of the Seasiders' goals in a superb individual display and his club successfully rebuffed a bid from Reading as the January transfer window came to a close this week.

Centre-back Ian Evatt is a long-term absentee following knee surgery.

Barnsley manager David Flitcroft is expected to include new loan signings Rory Delap and Chris O'Grady in his squad.

Stoke midfielder Delap and Sheffield Wednesday striker O'Grady have both signed on loan until the end of the season and could feature at Bloomfield Road.

However, John Stones will be unavailable after his deadline day move to Everton.

The Tykes extended their unbeaten run to five matches in midweek with a home win over Millwall and Flitcroft has no new injury or suspension problems.

New signing Jason Scotland is pushing for his first start after stepping off the bench and scoring with his first touch on Tuesday night and midfielder Jacob Mellis is also hoping to play a bigger role.

Defender Bobby Hassell and Scott Wiseman will both return to contention after sustaining knocks in last weekend's FA Cup win at Hull and sitting among the substitutes against Millwall.

Midfielder Stephen Dawson (ankle) and defender Jim McNulty (hamstring) remain sidelined as the Tykes chase a third straight win.

Source: PA

Source: PA