Blackpool v Birmingham City: Live updates from Bloomfield Road

Birmingham’s Lyle Taylor gets the game underway.

Up the mighty Pool!

Blackpool have made four changes to their side for today’s Easter Monday clash against Birmingham City.

The Seasiders return to Bloomfield Road looking to get back to winning ways after enduring a run of five games without a victory.

Neil Critchley has handed a first start to Jake Beesley, who has only had eight minutes of football since signing from Rochdale during the January transfer window.

It means Gary Madine, fresh from signing a new contract over the weekend, drops down to the bench.

Elsewhere, Richard Keogh returns from illness to reclaim his spot alongside Marvin Ekpiteta at centre-back, as Jordan Thorniley drops down to the bench.

Callum Connolly slots in at right-back, filling the vacancy left by Jordan Gabriel who suffered another hamstring injury at the Hawthorns.

Keshi Anderson will partner Kenny Dougall in the centre of midfield, while Charlie Kirk and CJ Hamilton will provide the width as Josh Bowler drops out of the side again.

Dan Grimshaw, Luke Garbutt, Dujon Sterling, Kevin Stewart, Grant Ward and Sonny Carey all remain on the sidelines.

Today’s opponents sit 20th in the league table and have lost back-to-back games and have won only one of their last six.

Neil Critchley could well look to freshen things up for Blackpool’s second game of a quick Easter double header.

Richard Keogh could well come back into the side in place of Jordan Thorniley if he’s recovered sufficiently from illness.

Callum Connolly should slot in at right-back, assuming Jordan Gabriel is out injured, although a change of formation can never be ruled out.

If Connolly is required in defence, Ethan Robson and Matty Virtue will battle it out for the central midfield spot alongside Kenny Dougall.

Critchley does have options further up the pitch and the likes of Owen Dale, Charlie Kirk, CJ Hamilton and Jerry Yates will all be pushing to start.

Here’s how we think the Seasiders might line up.

“I’m expecting a reaction against Blackpool,” Lee Bowyer said, after watching his side lose 4-2 to Coventry City on Friday.

“Our fans will be travelling up there in numbers again and they will deserve to see the right reaction.

“I will tell them that but that should come from within the group as well. There’s a lot of experienced players in there and it depends how hungry they are.

“If I see them drop off a little bit then I will remind them.”