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Papadopoulos had his first league start for the Clarets just over a week ago and despite playing well Stan warned that he could lose his shirt whilst away if someone came in and did well. That looks as though it will happen and could also cost Taylor a place in the starting line up after Ian Moore and Robbie Blake, both subs recently, did so well together in the second half at Derby.
In fact after a number of personnel changes recently it would not be a surprise if Stan was to go with the eleven who played the second half at Pride Park hoping they will continue where they left off against Derby.
Certainly none of the injured players are ready to return. Steve Davis is still out with a calf injury and although Gordon Armstrong and Brad Maylett are back in training neither are fit enough to return as yet.
If Stan does say carry on after Saturday, and I suspect he will, then the Clarets will line up in 4-4-2: Marlon Beresford, Dean West, Ian Cox, Arthur Gnohere, Mark McGregor, Glen Little, Paul Weller, Tony Grant, Lee Briscoe, Robbie Blake, Ian Moore.
Matthew O’Neill will probably not make the bench this time and Graham Branch who was not in the squad for Derby is unlikely to return. The subs will be selected from: Nik Michopoulos, Alan Moore, Andy Payton, Gareth Taylor, Dimitri Papadopoulos and Lenny Johnrose.
Blackpool’s assistant boss Mark Seagraves believes the Clarets have won their last two games, maybe he is clairvoyant and is already predicting a home win. He is though admitting that Blackpool could have some problems in the centre of defence with three players definitely ruled out.
Former Claret Brian Reid won’t play and neither will Ian Hughes or Chris Clarke, all are injured. To add to that Peter Clarke who has been impressive at the back this season will not be allowed to play. He is on loan from Everton and David Moyes’ has refused Blackpool’s request to include him. He has though allowed their other loan player Keith Southern to play.
On the positive side they expect Tommy Jaszczun to pass a fitness test and they also have John Murphy returning from injury and Martin Bullock from suspension.
Seagraves admitted that they would just have to get on with it and make do with the players they have available from their small squad.
For more on Blackpool, a look back at a former player of both clubs from the 80s and 90s and also our League Cup clash of 13 years ago see MATCH PREVIEW