Blackpool v Millwall: Build-up, team news and live match updates

Millwall get today’s game underway.

Up the mighty Pool!

There is a noticeable absence in the Blackpool squad in the form of winger Demetri Mitchell, amid speculation linking him with a move to Hibs.

The Gazette understands the 25-year-old travelled to Scotland on Friday to finalise a move, however an official announcement has yet to be made.

Elsewhere, Neil Crithley opts to make two changes from his side’s last game, which was the surprise FA Cup defeat to Hartlepool United.

James Husband and Keshi Anderson, who both suffered hamstring injuries during that cup tie, are replaced by Luke Garbutt and CJ Hamilton.

New signing Jake Beesley starts the game on the bench, alongside the likes of Jordan Gabriel, the returning Kevin Stewart, Owen Dale and Jerry Yates.

Daniel Gretarsson and Ethan Robson, who was recently recalled from his loan at MK Dons, are both left out.

Chris Maxwell (quad), James Husband (hamstring), Reece James (hamstring), Matty Virtue (ACL), Grant Ward (achilles), Sonny Carey (metatarsal) and Keshi Anderson (hamstring) all remain sidelined.

Millwall, meanwhile, are without former Seasider Dan Ballard, as well as their captain Alex Pearce, star player Jed Wallace and top goalscorer Tom Bradshaw.

Despite losing their last three games in all competitions, Gary Rowett’s side begin the day level on points with Blackpool in the league table, ahead by virtue of goal difference.

Neil Critchley has a few deliberations to make when it comes to naming his team for today’s game.

Should Jordan Gabriel come back in for Dujon Sterling following the latter’s poor display against Hartlepool United in the FA Cup?

If Blackpool stick with a 4-4-2, who will get the nod alongside Marvin Ekpiteta; Richard Keogh or Daniel Gretarsson?

You’d imagine Luke Garbutt will slot in at left-back as both James Husband and Reece James are sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Further afield, who will line up alongside Kenny Dougall in central midfield; Callum Connolly, Kevin Stewart or the returning Ethan Robson?

Josh Bowler is likely to line up on one flank, but who will replace Keshi Anderson on the other? Owen Dale seems to be a leading contender.

Jake Beesley is in line to make his Blackpool debut after joining from Rochdale, but chances are Gary Madine will lead the line once again alongside either Jerry Yates or Shayne Lavery.

Here’s our predicted line-up (442): Grimshaw, Gabriel, Ekpiteta, Keogh, Garbutt, Connolly, Dougall, Bowler, Dale, Yates, Madine

“Blackpool are a good side,” Millwall boss Gary Rowett said.

“They’re an energetic side and they’ve shown a real high level of performance since the start of the season.

“Like us, their results of late probably haven’t been what they would have wanted but they’re a good team.

“They have a couple of key injuries to players like Keshi Anderson, who has been a really good attacking player for them.

“But Neil has got them playing in a way he likes and they can adjust it with Gary Madine and go a bit more direct at times. But he’s also a good footballer.

“We’ll have to play incredibly well to get a result.”

“When you’re playing against a team managed by Gary Rowett you know you’re going to face a well-organised, well-coached team who know what they’re doing on the pitch.

“Quite clearly, his players know how to stay in every game, win football matches and grind out a draw or turn a draw into a win.

“They stay in games and they have good quality at the top end of the pitch, so as ever it will be a tough game.

“We’re looking forward to getting back out on the pitch after being disappointed to not play last week.

“We want to try and get that FA Cup game out of our system and we’re at home so we want to try and follow up our three points against Hull which seems like ages ago now.

“It is a long time considering the schedule you face over Christmas and the games you face and then you can face three weeks without a league game. It doesn’t seem quite right, but it is what it is.

“We’re desperate to get back out on the pitch and play and we’re really looking forward to playing in front of our supporters again this weekend.

“We’re very closely matched in terms of our records in the league and both teams will be looking at this as a winnable game to be looking up come 5pm on Saturday.”