Blackpool v Ipswich preview

Bouazza could feature for Seasiders, Town defensive duo doubtful

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 5th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Blackpool v Ipswich preview

McAuley: Major doubt

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Blackpool will aim to revive their Championship play-off push as they host Ipswich on Saturday.

The Seasiders beat both Middlesbrough and Reading 2-0 in their last two home games and are looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Barnsley last Saturday.

Ian Holloway's men are two points outside the top six heading into the weekend's fixtures and victory could see them climb above Cardiff and Sheffield United.

Having dragged themselves out of the bottom three, Ipswich are just about keeping their heads above water and are four points clear of the drop zone following last week's 0-0 draw at home to Bristol City.

Hameur Bouazza is hoping to be passed fit for Blackpool having been plagued by a groin problem since returning from international duty with Algeria earlier this year.

Attacking options

And manager Ian Holloway has no shortage of options up front as Billy Clarke, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, DJ Campbell, Ben Burgess, Brett Ormerod and Stephen Dobbie are all pushing for inclusion.

Clarke is set to return after three months out with a knee problem, while Taylor-Fletcher is hopeful of shaking off a groin injury.

Defender Rob Edwards is available after a two-game ban but striker Daniel Nardiello has joined Oldham on loan until the end of the season.

Ipswich boss Roy Keane is sweating on the fitness of defensive duo Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney, who both have groin problems.

McAuley is a serious concern having been ruled out of Northern Ireland's midweek international against Albania, although Delaney's injury is not thought to be as severe as McAuley's.

Goalkeeper Richard Wright is in contention for the first time since injuring his knee ligaments in November having come through two reserve-team games in recent weeks.

Winger Luciano Civelli remains out with his serious knee injury while midfielder Grant Leadbitter is one booking away from a two-match ban.

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