Blackpool V Watford at Bloomfield Road - Match Preview




Strikers still missing for Seasiders

Nathan Delfouneso and Kevin Phillips are set to continue to lead the line for Blackpool against Watford, with Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Matt Phillips expected to remain on the sidelines.

Taylor-Fletcher missed the 1-1 draw at Bristol City last weekend with a hamstring tear, and is not expected to make a return to the first team for a further three to four weeks.

Matt Phillips underwent an operation on a toe injury this week, and will not be available to manager Michael Appleton until the Christmas period.

The winger's 39-year-old namesake Kevin Phillips made his first start in over six weeks at Ashton Gate, but will be available to continue his run in the team having had six days to recover.

Delfouneso meanwhile has struggled for form this campaign, netting only three times in 14 games, but has been handed his chance with Appleton's current injury problems.

The Seasiders have won only one of their last eight games and are looking for their first home victory since a 4-1 win over Middlesbrough in mid-September.

Watford will be without Lloyd Doyley and Jonathan Hogg for the trip.

Defender Doyley was forced off in the second half of last weekend's 2-1 home victory over Wolves nursing a calf complaint and misses out, while midfielder Hogg picked up his fifth booking of the season and now serves an automatic one-match suspension.

Defender Fitz Hall is hopeful of being involved having recovered from his hamstring injury, while Neuton (ankle) and Prince Buaben (hamstring) have both trained this week and a late decision with be made on their availability.

The game comes too soon for midfielder Almen Abdi, who missed out against Wanderers with the shoulder injury sustained during the 6-1 success over Leeds two weeks ago.

Captain John Eustace (back) and defender Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring) remain absent.

Source: PA

Source: PA