Blackpool v Gillingham - Opposition Fan Preview - Written by Lewis Browning

Gillingham’s men will make the long trip up to Lancashire this Tuesday night to take on a Blackpool side just two places and three points behind them in League One. You can read our preview of the game here.


We spoke to Seasiders fan site ‘The Blackpool Blog’ about their team’s campaign so far, their thoughts ahead of the game, and how they see the rest of Blackpool’s season going.


How’s your season been so far?


The season hasn't been going brilliantly for Blackpool and we lost 10 on the bounce prior to Saturday's win against Southend. It's really put everything into perspective and brought us back down to earth after a brilliant start. If Gillingham can put in a decent performance, we have folded relatively easily recently, but, then again, the win on Saturday could act as a pivot for our season. In reality, though, the side is the weakest it has been in years.


Who are your key players?


Armand Gnanduillet, basically. Without his 17 goals and fantastic hold up play, we would really be stuffed, this season. Don't be deceived by the odd mistake – he has the potential to change games. Also, a couple of new loanees, Conor Ronan and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, are linking up well in midfield. Taylor Moore, too, is looking good at the centre of defence following Curtis Tilt's departure.


Any notable absentees?


We lost Tilt and Jordan Thompson in January, and skilful winger Kaikai is carrying an injury which has coincided with our poor run of form.


Who do you reckon is Gillingham’s biggest threat?


Stuart O'Keefe seems an experienced player and one that will certainly test the aforementioned Ronan and Dewsbury-Hall. Gillingham have been struggling for goals, so getting control of that midfield area will be very important.


What do you expect from Steve Evans' side on the day?


A win! Unless we can kick on from Saturday, of course, when we were a bit lucky. Gillingham seem organised and, although missing the attacking spark, we think we will struggle against them.


A prediction, please.


1-0 to Gillingham. We hope for a Blackpool win, but it might not materialise.


How do you see the rest of your season panning out?


It will probably see us stranded in the middle of League One. Win against Gillingham, though, and who knows how far we can go? We, like the Gills, are going to need to put a serious run together if we are to sneak into the play-offs.


‘The Blackpool Blog’ can be found on Twitter @blackpool_blog and the blog’s site is theblackpoolblog.wixsite.com.