West Brom v Blackpool preview

Baggies and Seasiders lock horns at the Hawthorns

Last updated: 12th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

West Brom v Blackpool preview

Di Matteo: Could shuffle the pack

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West Brom could slip out of the automatic promotion spots if they suffer a home defeat at the hands of Blackpool.

With Newcastle seemingly walking away with the Championship title, the Baggies are currently locked in a tussle for second spot with Nottingham Forest, who are just two points behind the Midlands side.

West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is likely to be without striker Roman Bednar and midfielder Jerome Thomas.

Bednar and Thomas, who are suffering with groin and leg injuries respectively, are both rated as very doubtful for the clash with the Tangerines.

The pair's proposed absence could force Di Matteo to shuffle his pack, with James Morrison likely to start again despite still looking to achieve full match fitness on his way back from a long-term heel injury.

Midfielder Giles Barnes, who also made a comeback recently after a prolonged spell on the sidelines, is in line to keep his place although striker Ishmael Miller (ankle) is likely to again take up a place on the bench.

Blackpool news

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway will be without a trio of players for the trip to The Hawthorns.

Defenders Ian Evatt and Stephen Crainey remain sidelined with ankle and knee injuries respectively and winger Hameur Bouazza is nursing a groin problem.

Algeria international Bouazza has been dogged by the complaint since the African Nations Cup and will be rested for the remainder of the month.

He requires an operation but that is likely to be postponed until after the World Cup in the summer.

Holloway has no other major concerns as his side seek to enhance their promotion credentials away from home after winning their last three matches at Bloomfield Road.

The Seasiders are two points outside the play-off places with 11 matches remaining.

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