Blackpool v Middlesbrough: Seasiders discover Carabao Cup second round opponents after comprehensive win

Then they won’t have long to find out their second round opponents.

The draw for the next round takes place on Sky Sports straight after the televised game between Leyton Orient and QPR.

Second round ties will take place the week commencing August 23.

It’s also worth nothing that, should tonight’s game remain level after 90 minutes, then no extra-time will be played and the tie will be decided by penalties.

Just three substitutes are allowed, rather than five.

“Summer signing Martin Payero will play on Wednesday, so that will be good.

“He was surprised at the physicality at Fulham on Sunday but he enjoyed it and he’s looking forward to playing his first game.

“We only have a small squad so there will be changes.

“There’s certain players we can’t do without and I can’t rest them and there’s others who will have to play because of the numbers we have.”

“I see it as a chance for us to try and progress in a cup competition.

“We’re at home playing against a Championship team, a good team, a good club, a fantastic manager who’s had a great career. It’s just the next game.

“If you count the Bristol City game, we’ll have five games in 14 days, which will stretch the squad so there will be changes.

“I’m sure Middlesbrough will do the same, but whatever team is on the pitch will have the mentality to go and win the game.

“We want to progress as far as we can in this competition. We approached every game the same last year, because I want to breed the mentality at this football club where every game is important.

“Our approach and the way we prepare remains consistent, so the players have that feeling that - whatever game it is - they have expectation on their performance.

“We all want to win football games, obviously, and Wednesday night will be no different.

“One thing you know about Neil Warnock’s teams is that they’re always going to be competitive and extremely hard to beat.”

Neil Critchley could have last season’s Wembley hero Kenny Dougall back available to him for tonight’s Carabao Cup first round tie against Middlesbrough.

The midfielder was absent for Saturday’s league opener against Bristol City having injured his knee during pre-season.

Elsewhere, Kevin Stewart is making good progress in his recovery from the knock to his ankle he suffered in the friendly against Manchester City. However, tonight’s game will come too soon for the 27-year-old.

There is promising news regarding both Daniel Gretarsson (shoulder) and Gary Madine (groin), who are back in training following their operations earlier in the summer.

The only other players out through injury are Matty Virtue (ACL), who will remain sidelined for the first half of the season, and Demetri Mitchell (knee).

No timescale has been set for Mitchell’s return after the winger suffered the blow during the summer friendly against Morecambe.

Speaking after Saturday’s curtain raiser at Ashton Gate, Critchley confirmed he will make changes against Neil Warnock’s Boro.

The likes of Oliver Casey, Marvin Ekpiteta, Sonny Carey, Josh Bowler and Shayne Lavery could be in line for starts after being named on the bench at the weekend.

Warnock, meanwhile, also revealed he will be making changes to the Middlesbrough side that drew 1-1 against Fulham on Sunday.

New signings Martin Payero and Sol Bamba could feature, while former Seasiders Joe Lumley, Grant Hall, Marc Bola and Uche Ikpeazu are also available.

Neil Critchley’s side turn their focus away from their league campaign to prepare for their Carabao Cup first round tie against fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.

The Seasiders will be looking to build on their encouraging start to the campaign, having drawn their opening league game at Ashton Gate in dramatic style on Saturday.

Shayne Lavery was Pool’s last-gasp hero, equalising with virtually the last kick of the game after Chris Martin (no, not that one) had given Bristol City a first-half lead.

As for tonight’s opponents, Middlesbrough also got their league campaign off to a good start, drawing 1-1 away to title favourites Fulham.

The game was televised live on Sunday afternoon, which is why tonight’s cup tie has been pushed back a day.

And welcome to tonight’s live blog.

Blackpool welcome Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough to Bloomfield Road for their Carabao Cup first round tie, fresh from opening their league campaign with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bristol City.

Follow the blog for all the build-up to tonight’s game, team news and match updates.