What does Blackpool's strongest midfield look like ahead of games with Lincoln City and Wigan Athletic
Blackpool take on Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium this weekend.
Blackpool’s midfield options have been boosted in the last few weeks - and could prove critical ahead of the club’s upcoming games against Lincoln City and Wigan Athletic.
The Seasiders have been hit by injury in several areas at various points this season, but there’ll be a hope that they‘ve endured the worst of it now.
A few weeks ago, the midfield looked like a real weak point, with not enough energy coming from Ian Evatt’s side in the centre of the park.
Now, the picture looks different, on the back of several players returning to action.
Here’s the case for who should be in Blackpool’s strongest midfield three:
Jordan Brown
In all honesty, Jordan Brown’s time with the Seasiders has probably been a little bit disappointing so far.
We’ve seen signs of what the summer signing from Leyton Orient is capable of, but there’s been an issue with consistency there.
Off the ball, he offers solid protection to the back three, with just a bit more work required in possession.
Nonetheless, Brown is still the clear option to take on the number six role in Blackpool’s best midfield three.
Karoy Anderson
Karoy Anderson joined the Seasiders on loan from Charlton Athletic on Deadline Day.
After enjoying a lively debut away to Huddersfield Town, in which he was on the scoresheet, he’s been a little quieter since then.
Based on what we’ve seen from the 21-year-old in the past month, and those coming back to full fitness, he’s probably best suited to an impact role off the bench for now.
George Honeyman
A fully fit George Honeyman is an obvious starter in the Blackpool midfield three.
The 31-year-old has struggled with a couple of injuries since his summer move to Bloomfield Road from Millwall, but when he’s featured, his class has been clear to see.
Honeyman’s energy and leadership was clear to see off the bench in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers, and he’s the man to build around for now.
Joel Randall
Joel Randall has returned to training this week on the back of a month on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue.
The Bolton Wanderers loanee hasn’t had the time to showcase exactly what he’s capable of in Tangerine just yet, but he’s a different type of option to the others on this list.
As he rebuilds his fitness, minutes off the bench will come the 26-year-old’s way, and as he grows stronger, he could make a real difference in that role.
Leighton Clarkson
Leighton Clarkson is the third guaranteed starter, with the ex-Liverpool youngster having that bit of quality the Seasiders have been crying out for.
Since his Deadline Day move from Aberdeen, the 24-year-old has demonstrated what he’s capable of in snippets, and it’ll certainly be exciting when he starts delivering consistently.
Josh Bowler
Josh Bowler has been asked to adapt to a more central role since Evatt’s appointment, and while there’s been a couple of positive games for the 26-year-old, he has struggled to find consistency.
Look, with a player of his talent, if it clicks then he’s an amazing asset to have.
While his overall performances at the moment perhaps don’t merit a regular starting role, he’s another player that can impact things as a substitute.
Ryan Finnigan
Ryan Finnigan is due back from injury in the next few weeks, and probably slots back in as a bench player.
The 22-year-old was impressive while on loan with Walsall in the first half of the campaign, but hasn’t really had an opportunity to build on that yet since being recalled at the beginning of the year.
Albie Morgan
Albie Morgan is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, but would be in the strongest midfield three if he was fit.
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