It's make or break with the next four days likely to shape where the Red Rose men are heading in the final five weeks of the campaign – either towards the top or down into relegation danger.

The first division is so tightly congested that mid-table Lancashire could go either way.

Coach Mike Watkinson and his men arrive at the Park reeling from a 211-run hammering by Kent at Canterbury which lengthened the odds against them winning the championship outright for the first time since 1934.

But with four games left the title is still a possibility – as indeed is relegation.

This week's round of matches starts with them 20 points off leaders Somerset but only 10 clear of Yorkshire, who are currently in the drop zone with Surrey.

And bottom team Surrey themselves have much to fight for in the resort, since they are only 20 points behind Lancashire.

Blackpool and Lancashire's ground staff have battled against the atrocious weather to get the Park ready for a prompt start tomorrow – providing the rain holds off.

Club chairman and former captain David Cresswell said the outfield was soft but the wicket was excellent.

"We've not been able to work on the outfield as much as we would have liked but the pitch has been rolled the last few days and is looking a cracker for three to four days," he said.

Cresswell, once a seam bowler, said the pitch wasn't to blame for last year's two-day finish against Durham.

"There was excellent swing bowling from Glen Chapple and Otis Gibson plus one or two two irresponsible shots. I don't believe the wicket played a significant part. When the ball is swinging the bowlers are on top."

Cresswell confirmed that Blackpool have addressed Lancashire's complaint last year that the grass was too long.

"The morning was very dewy and damp and the mower couldn't cope with the wet surface. We couldn't cut the outfield as much as we wanted in advance and during the game. We've been asked to cut the ground during the game this time."

Skipper Stuart Law's fitness was being assessed today to see whether he will lead the team at Blackpool.

Law suffered a back spasm in the Championship defeat at Canterbury and didn't play in yesterday's Pro40 Division One game against Sussex at Hove, where a largely home-grown Red Rose unit lost by five wickets to remain bottom.

Chapple skippered the side in the absence of Law, who required a runner against Kent.

Lou Vincent (50) and Paul Horton (56) helped the visitors reach 102-1 before Lancashire fell away to 183 all out. Sussex paced their reply well to go to the top of the table.

Although Michael Yardy (48) holed out when well set, Murray Goodwin (58 not out) saw his side home comfortably.

Stand-in skipper Chapple took 3-30 and spinner Gary Keedy (2-38) also bowled well, but former Zimbabwe star Goodwin, who hit six fours, anchored the Sussex innings perfectly as they won with 11 balls remaining.