Blackpool v Middlesbrough: Live match updates

“You can see the quality they’ve got in their squad.

“Chris has come in and implemented a style of play which is slightly different to how they played under Neil Warnock.

“It’s a similar system though with their back three and three in midfield, which is something Chris is used to from his time at Sheffield United.

“He was quite rightly lauded for his formation and his philosophy at Sheffield United and he’s implemented something similar at Middlesbrough and enjoyed success very quickly.

“He’s an excellent manager, they’re a well coached team and they’ve got good players. They’re in good form with four wins out of their last five and they’ve not conceded a goal in their last four games, so it shows you the task we’ve got in front of us.

“They’ve jumped up the league and they’re in a play-off place and they’re bang in form, so it’s a big, big test for us.”

Blackpool’s squad will be stretched to the limit for their final game of 2021.

A further positive Covid-19 case has been recorded since the Boxing Day trip to Huddersfield, while Sonny Carey is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a metatarsal injury.

Jordan Gabriel, who was dismissed at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday, is now suspended for two games having also been sent off for former club Nottingham Forest earlier in the season.

Chris Maxwell, Luke Garbutt, Reece James, Callum Connolly, Kevin Stewart, Matty Virtue, Ryan Wintle, Grant Ward and Owen Dale are also unavailable due to a mix of Covid and injuries.

EFL rules dictate that fixtures should go ahead if clubs are able to field 13 outfield players plus a goalkeeper.

Blackpool will look to sign off 2021 with a win when they host Middlesbrough at Bloomfield Road in their final game of the year.

The Seasiders will be aiming to get back to winning ways after suffering a cruel 3-2 defeat to Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day.

The men in tangerine were on course to make it back-to-back wins before Jordan Gabriel’s dismissal on the hour-mark, which galvanised the home side who completed their comeback late on.

While Blackpool’s performances have remained pretty good, Neil Critchley’s side have only won one of their last 10 games.

Tonight’s opponents, meanwhile, are enjoying a rich vein of form having won four of their last five under new boss Chris Wilder.

Boro, who were beaten 2-1 by Blackpool at the Riverside in September, sit fifth in the Championship table.

The Teesside outfit are expected to be cheered on by around 3,200 away fans.

Stephen Martin, who officiated Blackpool’s games against Bournemouth and Barnsley earlier in the season, will take charge of the game.

And welcome to today’s live blog.

Blackpool end 2021 with a home clash against in-form Middlesbrough, aiming to get back to winning ways after their cruel Boxing Day disappointment at Huddersfield.

Follow the blog for build-up, team news and live match updates.