Blackpool v Preston North End RECAP: Updates from the derby at Bloomfield Road

The atmosphere is really starting to pick up now, with 25 minutes still remaining until kick-off.

Neil Critchley and Frankie McAvoy having a good chat in the centre circle as the two sides warm up.

Fans are now beginning to stream in, although the majority will no doubt still be in the pubs and bars right up until kick-off.

There’s a real sense of anticipation in the air though. Can’t wait to get underway.

As he so often does, Neil Critchley has dropped another big surprise with his team selection for today's derby against Preston North End.

Sonny Carey, the star of Wednesday night’s 3-2 win against Reading, has been surprisingly dropped to the bench.

The midfielder, who was in inspired form on his first league start on Wednesday night, is replaced by Gary Madine, as the Seasiders revert to 4-4-2.

Madine is one of two changes, as Josh Bowler comes in for Demetri Mitchell after the winger’s impressive cameo off the bench in midweek.

Dujon Sterling returns from illness to take a spot on the bench, which sees Tyreece John-Jules drop out of the squad altogether.

Kevin Stewart remains sidelined with an ankle injury, joining Daniel Gretarsson (concussion), Reece James (foot), Matty Virtue (ACL), Grant Ward (achilles), CJ Hamilton (foot) and Shayne Lavery (hamstring).

PNE, meanwhile, name an unchanged side from their midweek win against Coventry City.

But Frankie McAvoy’s side, who begin the day in 18th, three points adrift of the Seasiders, are boosted by the return of Sean Maguire to the bench.

It was a superb win for the Seasiders at Reading on Wednesday night, so will Neil Critchley keep faith with the side that started the game?

It was, however, quite a laboursome affair, so Pool’s head coach might look to freshen things up.

Owen Dale will be pushing to start after his dream debut off the bench against Reading. The same can be said of Josh Bowler, who had an impact late on as a substitute. Keshi Anderson and Demetri Mitchell could be the two to make way.

Injury wise, Dujon Sterling and Kevin Stewart could also come back into contention, although the latter is unlikely to be thrown in from the start if he is fit enough to feature.

A reminder that team news is formally announced at 2pm.

If my eyes haven’t deceived me, I’ve just seen a certain Shayne Lavery in a Blackpool tracksuit take a seat in the dugout. We’re not expecting him to feature today, but that’s a good sign nevertheless. He didn’t appear to be limping either, which is always good.