Blackpool boss to ring changes for cup derby

Having lost 2-1 at Bradford City on the opening day of the season, the Seasiders meet another side highly fancied to challenge for promotion from League One in a Wigan side looking for an immediate return to the Championship.

Paul Cook’s players enjoyed a winning start to their season with a 1-0 victory at MK Dons and Bowyer acknowledges the test facing the Seasiders this evening.

“It’s a local derby but it’s also a cup competition and we want to try and get through; it’s as simple as that,” Bowyer said.

“We will make changes because we have to look at the squad and allow them to stake their claim.”

Having been relegated last season, Wigan began their rebuilding process by luring manager Cook from last season’s League Two champions Portsmouth.

It’s an appointment which Bowyer believes will serve them well.

“I think they have a great manager in Paul Cook and a great assistant in Leam Richardson,” he said.

“They want their side to play the game in the right way. They are an attractive side to watch and it’s going to be a real challenge.

“They have just come out of the Championship and have a wonderful squad.

“A big challenge is going to present itself but we have to take the positives from Bradford and use them accordingly.”