Kick Off: 7:45pm GMT, Friday 21st May, Bloomfield Road, League One Playoff Semi Final 2nd Leg
Last 5 Games:
- Blackpool WWWWW
- Oxford United LWWWL
Oxford will have to overturn a three goal deficit if they are to make it to the playoff final, after a fantastic result on Tuesday saw Blackpool take a big step to Wembley.
Blackpool finished their season in 3rd, showing quality throughout the season. On the final day of the season, Blackpool beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 thanks to a second half goal from Ellis Simms. The Seasiders have been in great form heading into the playoffs, having only lost two in their last ten matches.
As for Oxford, they finished their season in 6th, finishing on the same points as Charlton, but edged the team from the capital on goal difference.
Karl Robinson needed his team to guarantee their playoffs position by beating Burton Albion on the final day of the season. They did that with a convincing 4-0 win, with Olamide Shodipo, Matty Taylor, Elliot Lee and Sam Winnall all getting on the scoresheet.
The 1st leg of this tie saw Critchley’s team take an impressive lead, winning 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium. In the first half, Blackpool took the lead through Oliver Turton, with Simms doubling Blackpool’s lead minutes later.
In the second half, matters were made worse for Oxford when Simms got his second of the game in the 74th minute, giving the Tangerines a great prospect of playing in the League One playoff final.
In the 1st leg, both teams had players forced off with injuries. Blackpool’s Luke Garbett came off injured just after the break, as was United’s Sam Winnall just before full time.
In the league, Blackpool got the better of Oxford. The first time they met this season, they drew 0-0 at Bloomfield Road, but at the Kassam Stadium, Blackpool took the three points. First half goals from Kenneth Dougall and Daniel Ballard were enough for the three points.
Key Players
Ellis Simms: The 20-year-old joined on loan from Everton in the summer, and has been a key player for Blackpool this season.
Simms is Blackpool’s 2nd highest scorer this season, and he scored two goals in the 1st leg to put Blackpool in a prime position to advance.
Matty Taylor: If Oxford are to turn the tie on it’s head, they will need to attack from the first minute, so Taylor will have to be on his game.
Taylor has scored 18 goals and has 5 assists this season. It’s a big ask for Oxford to get back in the tie, but Taylor can be their man to do it.
Final Whistle 