The defensive solutions Blackpool FC could explore in the absence of ex-Stockport County and Sheffield Wednesday pair
Blackpool take on Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Saturday afternoon.
Blackpool face a defensive headache against Wycombe Wanderers this weekend.
The Seasiders have been in good form across the last few weeks, picking up 13 points in their last six games, but still need to produce in their remaining three outings of the season to secure League One survival.
Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Peterborough United kept Ian Evatt’s side four points clear of the relegation zone, as Dale Taylor bagged a brace and Tom Bloxham registered his eighth goal of the campaign.
A downside from the performance was a sending off for ex-Stockport County figure Fraser Horsfall on the hour mark - with the defender now set to miss Blackpool’s next two games due to suspension.
Meanwhile, it’s also been confirmed that Michael Ihiekwe will miss the remainder of the campaign after undergoing surgery on the toe problem that has hindered him throughout his time in Tangerine following his summer move from Sheffield Wednesday.
This leaves Evatt with some key decisions to make at the back for his side’s visit to Adams Park, and the subsequent home game against Leyton Orient.
Here’s the options he could take:
Luton Town loanee joins the back three
One solution could involve the positioning of Luton Town loanee Reuell Walters - who has excelled at both right back and right wing-back in recent weeks.
If Blackpool go with a defensive three, then the 21-year-old could feature alongside Olly Casey, who’d take the central role, and James Husband.
This would see CJ Hamilton move to right wing-back and Hayden Coulson on the left-side.
A rare chance for former West Brom man in a three
After having his longest run in the team following Evatt’s initial appointment, game time has proven hard to come by for Zac Ashworth again in recent times, with his last start coming at the end of February.
The ex-West Brom man could be brought into the back three, and take on the left-sided role.
This would allow Walters to remain at right wing-back, and leave Hamilton and Coulson as options on the opposite side.
An issue with this would be the unbalance it’d bring to the team. You’d either have to sacrifice Casey in the centre or play someone on their weaker side to his right.
A four-man defence
Another alternative that could see Ashworth come into the starting XI would be the use of a back four - which has been seen a couple of times in the last few weeks.
Casey and Husband would be the obvious central pairing out of what’s available, with Walters as a traditional right back.
The left back role could then be contested by Ashworth and Coulson.
Walters and Hamilton have looked good down the right together in the past, but there would be an issue filling the left side with a natural option.
Return of injured figure
A boost to Blackpool’s defensive conundrum could be the return of Andy Lyons.
The 25-year-old is a versatile figure, and could help out along the backline in whichever formation Evatt chooses.
After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, this probably wouldn’t make him a starter, but off the bench he could help the cause.
Opportunity for a youngster
In a similar situation to Lyons, a young defender could also be given an opportunity on the bench just as an extra precaution.
Oluchi Nwankwo has impressed with the U18s, and Evatt is a known fan of the teenage centre back.
Your next story from the Gazette: Former Blackpool favourite opens up on special connection, being brave, and 'painful' departure.