Blackpool vs Southend United. Sky Bet League One.
Bloomfield RoadAttendance3,213.
Friday 16 March 2018 10:46, UK
Nathan Delfouneso has been ruled out of Blackpool's Sky Bet League One clash against Southend.
The striker was taken to hospital after a clash of heads with Lewis Page in Blackpool's 1-0 victory against Charlton on Tuesday. Delfouneso suffered concussion and will not be considered for Saturday's match.
Kevin Mellor (ankle), Mark Cullen (hamstring) and Jim McAlister (bruising) are unlikely to be involved.
Southend manager Chris Powell hopes to welcome John White back for the trip north. White has been out of action since the start of February with an ankle injury, but the defender returned to training on Thursday and could feature this weekend.
Goalkeeper Ted Smith is closing in on his first appearance in six months following a shoulder problem, but the game against the Tangerines will come too soon. Defender Rob Kiernan continues his recovery from a knee problem.
The Tangerines have won each of their last two home matches against Southend in all competitions, although those wins came in 2007 and 2016.
Southend's last league victory at Bloomfield Road was in January 2006 - Freddy Eastwood scored an 89th minute winner for the Shrimpers in a 2-1 win.
Blackpool's 1-0 victory over Charlton last time out, ended a run of 10 league matches on home soil without a victory (D5 L5) - the Tangerines are looking to win back-to-back home league games this season for the first time since winning their opening four of the campaign.
Chris Powell has never lost a league match against Blackpool as manager (W3 D2).
